Southern Avenue’s Family

By Brian Rock

Modern Soul quartet, Southern Avenue celebrates the ties that bind on their fourth album, Family. Band leader Tierinii Jackson and her sisters, Tikyra on drums and Ava on violin create lush vocal harmonies that have been honed through decades of singing together every Sunday in church. Tierinii’s husband, Ori Naftaly rounds out the band on lead guitar. Together they craft a message of hope, peace, and love. 

“Found A Friend In You,” is a musical ray of sunshine that puts their message of harmony front and center. Naftaly’s delta blues guitar stylings, and rhythmic hand clapping set the tone as Jackson and her sisters erupt in full throated gospel harmony, singing, “I was saved by the graces. I was saved by love.” Celebrating the power of two coming together for a common cause, they sing, “We found our way when we found us.” Showcasing the power of working together, Jacson continues, “We’ll hold up our brother when he’s down in need. And I’ll make him dance, if you’ll bring the beat. And we’ll heal each other with love and harmony.” Instead of waiting for a supernatural love to save us when we die, Tierinii and her sisters urge us to channel that love while we’re living – to share it and multiply it. BE the love you hope to receive. The gospel/blues rhythms and infectious sing along chorus testify to the healing power of love.

“Late Night Get Down,” celebrates love of a more physical nature. With a greasy, blues backbeat and sultry vocals, the song is the perfect accompaniment for what its title implies. “Rum Boogie,” keeps the blues vibe flowing with an ode to old school juke joints. Switching to 80’s R&B rhythms on, “Back To What Feels Right,” the band indulges in the joys of hitting the dance floor. Continuing the smooth R&B feel on, “So Much Love,” the band returns its focus to loftier themes. Offering words of hope, the Jackson sisters croon, “Hey darling, ain’t no sense in letting hard times hold you down. Hey darling, there’s so much love to go around.” Their vocals are sublime and smooth as silk. They offer even more hope and soulful energy on, “Upside,” “Long Is the Road,” and “Flying.” Culminating their sermon in song is, “We Are.” A drumbeat inspired by “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” entices you into the song. Naftaly’s guitar adds a layer of Bluesy depth. Starting slow and building to a crescendo, the Jackson sisters reaffirm their message: “We are Love. We are Peace. We are Hope. We are Healing.” They remind us that we are the help we’ve been waiting for. The more we give, the more we love, the more it comes back to us. Not to be omitted are the three 30 second interstitial songs that link the album together like Muses interjecting in a Greek drama. “Family,” “Keep On Moving On,” and “Believe,” are all blues drenched Siren calls to aspire to our higher selves. As uplifting as the lyrics are, the Memphis based soul, blues, and R&B rhythms are equally inspiring. Southern Avenue moves your heart and body in equal measure.

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Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.

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