Southern Avenue Sizzles on Their Sophomore Release “Keep On”
From first song to last, Southern Avenue’s sublime sophomore release Keep On bears the marks of old souls with modern attitudes putting their distinctive stamp on vintage soul, blues and rock. Released May 10, the album gives listeners a glimpse into the brilliant future of a band with roots steeped in Memphis blues whose colossal talents put them at the forefront of a new generation of genre-busting musicians.
Recorded at Memphis’ iconic Sam Phillips Recording with producer Johnny Black (Jessie J, Daughtry, Estelle) at the helm, the 12-track album embraces genres as diverse as gospel, country, funk and R&B. Some of the city’s finest musicians make guest appearances on the release, including bassist Gage Markey, trumpeter Marc Franklin (The Bo-Keys, Greg Allman Band), saxophonist Art Edmaiston (JJ Grey & Mofro, Greg Allman Band), and legendary Stax Records soul singer William Bell. Their contributions enrich the collective efforts of Southern Avenue’s wildly gifted core members – guitarist Ori Naftly, vocalist Tierinii Jackson, drummer Tikyra (T.K.) Jackson, and keyboardist Jeremy Powell.
Together they create soul food – the kind that nourishes the spirit and the heart with sonic flavors that only those who have lived the blues can deliver. With the Yin and Yang of joy and pain front and center, Keep On grabs the listener from the get-go with its anthemic title track that challenges us to rise above it all no matter what. Tierinii’s soul-shattering vocals soar high over her sister Tikyra’s stripped-down dank beats and Ori’s searing guitar. The song combusts over layers of horns, bass, keys and a full-throated chorus of back-up vocals.
The ties that bind Southern Avenue to Memphis run deep, right down to their choice of historic studios and Tierinii’s duet with Memphis singer/song writer and Grammy Award-winner William Bell on “We’ve Got The Music,” an old-school soul number and ode to music’s inclusive nature. Other standouts include the raw and oh-so-sexy “Whiskey Love,” anchored by Tikyra’s spare, driving percussion and Tierinii’s gorgeous, brutally honest vocals, and the sassy and defiant “The Tea I Sip.”
A relentless touring schedule and intense live shows have sharpened the band’s musical chops and given them the confidence to push the boundaries of sonic styles with Keep On to include funk (“Switch Up”), filthy blues (“She Gets Me High”), gospel (“We’re Gonna Make It”), and even a little touch of country (“Too Good For You”).
There’s a lot delicious to digest on this sumptuous album, which I’ll file among my favorites released in 2019, and I highly suggest you do, too. Go to Southern Avenue’s website to get your copy now, and do not miss them live. Guaranteed they are coming to venue near you. Click here for a complete tour schedule. And to get to know the stupendous Jackson sisters a little better, the curious should click here for an in-depth interview as part of our “Women In Jam” series.