Southern Avenue – Family
Southern Avenue – Family
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital
Label: Alligator Records
Release: 2025
Release date: April 25, 2025
Southern Avenue is unlike any other band on the scene today, featuring three Memphis-born sister singers who perfected their vocals in church before embracing their own sonic identity: lead vocalist/songwriter Tierinii Jackson backed by her two harmonizing, multi-talented musician sisters, Tikyra (TK) on vocals and drums and Ava on violin. percussion and vocals. Israel-born and bred guitarist/songwriter Ori Naftaly (who is also married to Tierinii), provides funky grooves and raw Memphis guitar.
Naftaly founded Southern Avenue in 2015, two years after arriving in Memphis to perform at the International Blues Challenge with his solo band. The first time he saw Tierinii Jackson, the city’s premiere vocal powerhouse, he didn’t hesitate, saying, “I saw my entire future flash in front of me.” The two shared a few initial sessions, then TK joined on drums and Southern Avenue was born. “We’ve been a family ever since,” Tierinii says.
On ‘Family,’ Southern Avenue’s fourth album, the band unleashes one memorable performance after another, all delivered with soul-healing power and fueled by Tierinii’s soaring vocals, warm sister harmonies, Naftaly’s deeply rooted guitar playing and TK’s forceful, propulsive drumming. From triumphant opener Long Is The Road to the emotionally resonant Found A Friend In You to the raucous Rum Boogie, the songs, with their seamless blend of roots, blues and soul grooves, are stirring and original. From the irresistible Upside to the fierce determination of Flying to the closing, declarative We Are, Family reveals honest, universal truths about the unshakable power of togetherness.
‘Family’ was recorded in Memphis at the famous Royal Studios (Al Green, Ann Peebles, Bruno Mars). It was produced by GRAMMY winner John Burk (Ray Charles, George Benson, Melissa Etheridge) and recorded and mixed by multi-GRAMMY-winning producer and engineer Boo Mitchell (Snoop Dogg, Bobby Rush, Cedric Burnside).
According to Naftaly, “Family is the story of how we found each other, held on through the highs and lows, and built something stronger than we ever imagined. It’s about the moments that test you, the people who lift you, and the belief that even through the hardest times, something beautiful is waiting on the other side.”
As frontwoman and songwriter Tierinii Jackson explains, the music is an unbreakable bond between the musicians themselves as well as with their growing legion of fans. “Our music is our expression of life. Our songs reflect our thoughts and feelings, baring our souls. Because we write and create this music together, it bonds us as a family in a way that transcends bloodlines. When our listeners connect with our music, they become a part of our healing journey, making them family too. The bonds we share with our listeners give us a reason to keep going, to share our unapologetic truths. Our fans provide us with the safe space to be vulnerable, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Southern Avenue is named after the famous street that runs through the center of Memphis, leading past the original home of Stax Records. But it was still a surprise to the band when they became the first Memphis group signed to the newly reformed Stax label, which released their self-titled debut album in 2017. In 2018 the band won the Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist. Their follow-up, Keep On, received a GRAMMY nomination. Constant touring has brought Southern Avenue to destinations across North America, Europe and Australia, and earned them non-stop adulation from fans, press and fellow musicians. In 2024, the band joined the Outlaw Music Festival tour, performing alongside Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan.
Website: https://www.southernavenuemusic.com/
Tracks:
01. Long Is The Road 3:07
02. Upside 5:01
03. Found A Friend In You 2:39
04. So Much Love 3:56
05. Family 0:41
06. Late Night Get Down 3:15
07. Rum Boogie 3:18
08. Gotta Keep The Love 4:06
09. Sisters 2:47
10. Kept On Moving On 0:38
11. Back To What Feels Right 3:37
12. Flying 3:23
13. Believe 0:48
14. We Are 3:46
Tierinii Jackson: Lead Vocals
Ori Naftaly: Guitars
Tikyra Jackson: Vocals, Drums
Ava Jackson: Vocals, Percussion, Violin
with
Jeremy Powell: Keys
Blake Rhea: Bass
Luther Dickinson: Bass (3, 6, 8, 10)