Southern Avenue: Family Review
From this point on, every time that I hear the name, Southern Avenue, I will think of them with the same musical appreciation that I have for groups like The McCrary Sisters, Sister Sledge and The Pointer Sisters. One lesson that I have learned in my life is that there is nothing like “blood harmony”; nothing. Southern Avenue not only has that “blood harmony” going for them with their great vocal performances, but they also possess energy, great songwriting, excellent musicianship and exciting showmanship.
They are family. Three Memphis born sisters; Tierinii Jackson, Tikyra Jackson, and Ava Jackson; along with Tierinii Jackson’s husband, Israeli born Ori Naftaly, are the nucleus of Southern Avenue. Naftaly, with a love for blues music, traveled to the blues infused city of Memphis, Tennessee, and there he found the Jackson sisters, who were raised singing gospel music in church. It was the perfect recipe for a soulful, electric, bluesy masterpiece that has since played on concert bills with the likes of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos, Sheryl Crow, and others. They have headlined the Chicago Blues Festival and joined up with the Outlaw Music Festival tour for several weeks; playing with artists such as Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Bob Dylan.
With three previous recordings behind them, Southern Avenue releases their brand new recording on Alligator Records, entitled Family. The fact that the band chose the famous Memphis, Tennessee studio, Royal Studios, to record their new offering doesn’t hurt a bit. Royal Studios is one of the oldest, continuously operated studios in the world and has recorded the likes of Al Green, Bobby Blue Bland, Otis Rush, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy and many, many others.
The album contains fourteen cuts, but several (three) are short pieces that are less than a minute. “Upside” is a boogie based tune full of positive lyrics like, “Don’t waste your time on things that you can’t change. Every day’s a new day. Find me on the up side.” There’s also some really nice guitar work toward the end of this excellently done song. Track three on Family is “Found A Friend In You” and includes a guest appearance on bass by North Mississippi Allstars member Luther Dickinson. Great bluesy guitar work and that “blood harmony” is sure to make this tune a favorite among many folks. “As long as we’re together, can’t nobody touch us” and “we’ll hold up our brother when he’s down in need” are lyrics that are going to stick with you, even after the song ends. “Late Night Get Down” is a smokey, bluesy sounding tune with some great slide guitar work. You might just find yourself getting up and doing a little “late night get down” while listening to this little ditty. I found a video of Southern Avenue doing this song “live,” and it was energized, to say the least. While this is an album review, I would certainly suggest catching this band in a “live” concert setting. “Flying” continues to feature more great slide guitar work from Ori Naftaly and more searing vocals from the Jackson sisters. “Here I am defying gravity. If I die, at least I’ll die flying. It feels good.” And, I would add, this album feels good. It feels like family.
Family is another excellent Royal Studios recording, made possible by the great, unique talent of Southern Avenue. They’re a combination of blues, funk, gospel, and soul; all combined to create an original sound that will likely appeal to many musical tastes. I am convinced that their “live” performances would be especially, enjoyable, where you could witness, firsthand, the energy felt in their recordings. I do not believe that you will be able to sit still and just listen to this recording. Your feet, hands, and soul won’t allow it. Turn the volume up and enjoy!
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Upside
– Found A Friend In You
– Late Night Get Down
– Flying
The Big Hit
– Found A Friend In You
