If you’re looking for a prescription to help get by in these darkish times, perhaps some unbridled optimism to offset the rancor that is so prevalent today, then Southern Avenue’s new Family might be just what the doctor ordered.
When blues guitarist Ori Naftaly left his native Israel to compete in the International Blues Challenge a dozen years ago, he had no idea what lay in store. But when he met Tierinii Jackson, who would soon become his wife and musical partner, he said he could immediately see his life’s future direction. Soon, joined by Jackson’s two sisters Tikyra and Ava, Southern Avenue were headlining blues festivals and making their mark on the blues charts. Their eponymous first album reached number six among blues bestsellers, and their second album, Keep On, reached number five.
With Family, the band has tapped into a need right now for some unabashed optimism. If you’re looking for deep introspection or political edginess, look elsewhere. But for those times when you just need a lift, you can do worse than the gospel, ’70s soul and blues fusion of Southern Avenue’s new album. Family is the place to find infectious tunes like “Upside,” “So Much Love,” Rum Boogie,” and “Keep On Moving On.”
In addition to the Naftaly and the Jackson sisters (Tikyra on drums and Ava on percussion and violin), Jeremy Powell played keys, and North Mississippi Allstar Luther Dickinson and Blake Rhea played bass.
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.