Southern Avenue – Family
14 tracks
Southern Avenue’s fourth recording and first for Alligator Records is an amazing piece of musical work. This Memphis band has put together a collection of songs that they liken to a family photo album, expressing their connections to their past , the world and each other in the music they produce.
The family is lead singer Tierinii Jackson, her guitar playing husband Ori Naftaly, and her sisters Tikyra “T.K” Jackson and Ava Jackson who back their sister vocally while respectively playing drums and violin/percussion. They weave a vocal web of beauty and intensity, with varied and spectacular harmonies. They are amazing and get better and better over time. This album outshines anything they have done in the past, and they’ve done some damned fine albums!
Rounding out the band are keyboardist Jeremy Powell and bassist Blake Rhea. Luther Dickinson adds his bass to four tracks. Jeremy Powell is a seasoned and great keyboard player. I have loved his music for years in this band and with Ghost Town Blues Band. He is a really talented guy; they call him Mr. 88 for good reason– he is a master of the ivories.
Long Is The Road” gets the ball rolling. The sisters trademark harmonies shine right from the stop. It’s a rousing and rocking song. Naftaly blazes on guitar as they set a high standard for the remaining songs to follow and they achieve it. Ori opens the next cut on guitar and Jeremy Powell is ever solid on keys. “Upside” is a soulful tune with Tierinii doing the vocal calls and her sisters reply. Tierinii sings with deep passion, all the vocals shine and Naftaly again plays some wicked licks as the band sets a great groove and deliver another outstanding cut.
“Found A Friend In You” follows. Ori gets his dobro going as his wife sings about good friends having each other’s back. This one is high energy and has a rousing tempo. Then it’s “So Much Love” which is a slow ballad with af funky groove going. Tierinii sings with feelings that emanate from deep within her; beautiful stuff! Naftally continues to excel on guitar and Powell’s organ is sublime and helps carry the track.
Slide and impassioned vocals kick off the short cut “Family” before they get into it and go down to the Delta with a slick, deep blues with “Late Night Get Down.” It’s deep blues with lots of vocal layers that are just exceptional. More nice guitar and organ make this extra fun. Then we have “Rum Boogie,” a cut about the famous club on the corner of Beale Street and B.B. King Boulevard. Another winner!
“Gotta Kep The Love” features some ethereal singing and harmonies, restrained guitar and very cool organ work. Funky and cool, they show their soul in this slick number. Naftaly offers another cool solo, too. Slide guitar opens “Sisters,” a song celebrating the trio of siblings who help when each if their bad just ain’t bad enough. The short cut Keep On Moving On” leads into “Back To What Feels Right.” A somewhat somber opening that turns into a rousing tune with an excellent guitar groove. Hot guitar and even hotter vocals make this special.
“Believe” is another short, slow and even somewhat haunting cut that leads into another tune. Here it’s “We Are” which is a great song with lyrics expressing we have to be strong. Triumphant and a host of other qualities that we have to live up to to make the future. Powerful stuff and a fantastic cloee to an utterly amazing album!
This is an exceptional album. Tight vocal harmonies, music that ranges from ethereal to in your face power, super guitar work and great backline and keyboards make this outstanding from top to bottom. This album is sure to garner awards!
