By Briana Harris
For Memphis-based blues and soul band Southern Avenue, family is a value interwoven into the band’s past, present, and future together. On the band’s 4th studio album, Family, they proudly own their collective narrative and their powerful sound rooted in the musical life they have built together.
The band features Tierinii Jackson on lead vocals, Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson on drums and vocals, and Ava Jackson on violin, percussion and vocals. The three sisters grew up performing together in their family’s church band, honing the harmonies of gospel music. On the other side of the world, guitarist Ori Naftaly grew up in Israel, immersing himself in American soul, roots, and blues music. A trip to Memphis in 2013 to represent his country in the International Blues Challenge felt like fate; following a move stateside, he was introduced to Tierinii. “The first time I saw her perform, I saw my entire future flash in front of me,” says Ori. Southern Avenue was born when T.K. joined on drums; sister Ava joined the band later after graduating from music school. In the decade since the band’s start, Tierinii and Ori have gotten married and had a baby together; meanwhile, the band has toured countless international destinations, received a GRAMMY nomination, has toured with musical giants like The Tedeschi Trucks Band and Sheryl Crow, and has appeared on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Country tour.
This legacy becomes the meta-narrative of Family, where the band masterfully references their own shared journey as well as the musical crossroads of Memphis, where blues, soul, rock, and gospel all authentically meet. The musicians of Southern Avenue are more than just torch bearers for roots music tradition; they forge a sound and style that feels like it uniquely belongs to them. One of the highlights of the album is the strength of the songs themselves: joyfully crafted and masterfully arranged earworms that playfully pull from a palette of American popular music. The laid-back groove and mellow chorus of “So Much Love” could live alongside George Benson’s “Breezin”. The ripping slide guitar on “Flying” evokes blues and rock heroes like Muddy Waters. “Rum Boogie,” driven by honky tonk piano and soulful tambourine, is two-stepping ear candy that feels like it would work just as well with modern pop production as it does here with its twangy setting.
The band’s flexibility and range shines through the album, but it never muddies the clear message of these songs: music is a hopeful and uplifting force that connects this musical family to each other and to their audiences. “Because we write and create this music together, it bonds us as a family in a way that transcends bloodlines,” shares Tierinii. “When our listeners connect with our music, they become a part of our healing journey, making them family too.”
Family is out everywhere on April 25. Southern Avenue is currently on tour throughout the United States, with upcoming Colorado dates in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Steamboat Springs.
