Release Date : April 25, 2025
By Phillip Smith; April 19, 2025
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
I’ve been a fan of Memphis’
Southern Avenue since 2017 when their first album landed on the revitalized
Stax Records. Their live shows are always exhilarating and their studio
albums have always been impressive. It’s no wonder they have been nominated three
times for the Blues Music Awards Band of the Year. With Family
their fourth and latest album, the band has landed with Alligator Records.
Recorded at the legendary Royal Studios (Al Green, Ann Peebles, Willie Mitchell),
the new fourteen-track record strongly reflects their Memphis roots. Lead
singer Tierinii Jackson, guitarist Ori Naftaly, drummer/vocalist Tikyra
Jackson, and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson note as Southern
Avenue “These songs chronicle our
evolution—not just as a band, but as a family.”. This recording also features Jeremy
Powell on keys, Blake Rhea on bass, and special guest Luther
Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) on bass for four tracks.
I love the harmonies, infectious groove and positive energy which flows through “Upside”. This one always gets turned up a little louder. Naftaly’s guitar performance sure shines, as he lets loose on this wonderful track. I dig the Isaac Hayes-inspired rhythm imbedded in “Found a Friend in You”. Tierinii’s voice rings soulful and heavenly. I adore the swampy, blues-soaked slide guitar and jukin’ rhythm which holds the fort down on “Late Night Get Down”. This is another fabulous track which begs to be heard at a higher volume. One of my favorite places to hear music in Memphis is at Rum Boogie CafĂ©. I went there many a time in the Eighties and early Nineties when I lived in N.E. Arkansas. That being said, “Rum Boogie” is another track which quicky drew my attention. Topped with thick slide guitar and party atmosphere, it perfectly sets the scene. Even though “Believe” is only forty-eight seconds long, it is a beautiful and captivating mantra. Tikyra’s boldly-cast “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” beat on the intro instantly draws me in to the final track “We Are”. This definition of family holds strong and makes for a glory-filled closer.
Family delivers soulful, bluesy goodness with every song, making this Southern Avenue’s best record yet.
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| Photo by Rory Doyle |
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| Photo by Rory Doyle |
For other PhillyCheeze reviews and photos of Southern Avenue, visit https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=southern+avenue
For more information about Southern Avenue, visit their website https://www.southernavenuemusic.com
