Album Review: Southern Avenue — Family
When I first encountered Southern Avenue in 2017, I remarked that their music bore the influence of Steve Cropper. I crossed path with their music again in 2019, at which point I observed some musical kinship with Sharon Jones. Now it’s 2025 and I find myself with another Southern Avenue album.
Time has a way of changing things, either for the better or worse. And while there was absolutely nothing wrong with Southern Avenue in ‘17 or ‘19, current day find them having developed much more of a signature style and sound. The Memphis influences remain; Tierinii Jackson’s vocals (and the harmony/backing vocals from drummer Tikyra Jackson and percussionist/violinist Ava Jackson) will remind astute listeners of The Staple Singers. But Southern Avenue has an overall musical character closer to Tedeschi Trucks Band. Guitarist Ori Naftaly sounds like nobody but himself as he peels off tasty lick after tasty lick.
Occasionally on the aptly-titled Family, the group breaks into a roots/blues style redolent of Larkin Poe, but that’s the exception. For most of the album, the vocal-forward band trades in a musical persona all its own. There’s a gospel feel to many of the tracks, but there’s nothing overtly religious about the lyrics or melodies. Ava’s fiddle doesn’t surface until the final strains of “Found a Friend in You,” but when it does, it’s a delight. The soulful and sexy “So Much Love” showcases Southern Avenue’s versatility and effortless ability to channels their talents in whatever direction they choose.
Naftaly is adept at many styles, too, from searing gutbucket slide to glistening blues-rock lead work. He’s equally at home with the funky trappings of “Late Night Get Down” and the r&b flavors of “Gotta Keep the Love.” The group gets a bit of help on bass and keys, courtesy of Luther Dickinson and his pals, but the group never loses its identity amid the session players.
At its center, though, the true strength and defining character of Southern Avenue is the group’s sterling vocals. It simply doesn’t get much better – or more authentic, or more inviting, or more versatile – than the three Jackson sisters. Their vocal work on “Sisters” is as breathtakingly accomplished as it is fun and playful. And as fine a group as they were seven years ago, they’ve truly arrived with the supremely realized Family. It’s an early contender for my Best of 2025 list.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.