Critical Acclaim

Critical Acclaim

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“The expressive front person who hinted at Beyoncé’s athleticism and the pedigree of a singer with the name Franklin, was the foil for the wonderfully understated but rip-roaring band worthy of being on Stax Records. It was easy to imagine Southern Avenue as a house band in their native Memphis or Muscle Shoals in the glory days of the Sixties, sent back to the future to save us from inauthenticity and our collective hurt.”

No Depression

 

“Southern Avenue’s debut album is the beginning of a legacy…What we have here, is a young, yet seasoned group of artists, who took everything Memphis has to give, rubbed their own magic on it, and are delivering it to us in a single serving. It’s not blues, soul, Gospel or R&B. It’s all of the above, blended in such a way to create its very own category.” 

American Blues Scene

 

“…a deeply soulful Memphis blues band that’s turning the scene on its head…fiery guitar-led soul rock, with punchy horns, hard-shuffling beats, sparkling ballads and barroom throwdowns.”

Relix

 

“Southern Avenue is moving full steam ahead, making a name for themselves in the blues music scene. While the five member band has been called the definition of Memphis music, they're comprised of a diverse group of musicians that don't necessarily fit the stereotypical blues mold.”

Fox News

 

“Southern Avenue features five young but seasoned musicians who came from diverse musical and personal backgrounds to create music that spans their wide-ranging musical interests, while showcasing the powerful chemistry that the group has honed through stage and studio experience. The result of their union is the best debut we've heard so far this year, and an immediate ‘must have’ release.”

Soul Tracks

 

“This debut album from Southern Avenue is the tastiest thing out of Memphis since Gus’s Fried Chicken went national. Sounding somewhat like the Staple Singers doing an album of bluesy southern rock, this band will be huge, mark my words…Fans of acts ranging from Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to the Black Keys will find a lot to like here…”

Ink 19

 

“The musicianship throughout is solid, and often considerably more than that…providing a perfect springboard for Tierinii Jackson’s vocals which are—in a word—thrilling…This lady embraces, empowers and sanctifies everything she touches.”

Living Blues

 

“Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding—few studios have ever achieved the kind of distinct sound that once poured out of Stax Studios in Memphis, TN. A bit of that gritty, funky mojo lives again in the music of Southern Avenue, a new R&B act from Memphis that's named after the street that runs by the old Stax Studio.”

Stereophile

 

“The still-fledgling group, founded less than two years ago, has had a fairly meteoric rise, culminating in the release of their eponymous full-length debut...The resulting disc is a fresh and energetic re-imagining of classic Memphis R&B and gospel, grounded by Tierinii’s powerful soul voice, with a dashes of world music flavor courtesy of Naftaly.”

Commercial Appeal

 

“Southern Avenue’s modern sound melds gospel-infused R&B with a rootsy rock feel.”

Mix

 

“…few bands from Memphis have enjoyed a more meteoric rise to both the top of the local scene and national relevance. In less than two years' time (the band's first gig was in September of 2015), Southern Avenue has gone from a relatively unknown commodity to one of the hottest acts in town, packing local clubs and receiving rave reviews from the local press — including the Flyer, which put Southern Avenue lead vocalist Tierinii Jackson on the cover of its ‘Summer Music Issue’ last July.”

Memphis Flyer

 

“Southern Avenue are named after the original Memphis address of Stax Records, and that tells you most of what you need to know about their sound. Their self-titled debut—on Stax itself, naturally—is a boiling retro-soul primer…Tierinii has a riveting stage presence, and the band nail covers of classics like “Rock Steady.” They do the Stax legacy proud.”

Chicago Reader

 

“There’s something about Memphis-based band Southern Avenue that feels undeniably raw and authentic...Southern Avenue is an impressive debut, which showcases the impeccable songwriting and musical talent of its member and transforms Southern traditions into a modern sound.”

Black Grooves

 

“Memphis-based juggernaut Southern Avenue may have their foundation based in the blues, but they exceed the confines of the genre, with elements of funk, rock, Americana, and so, so much soul. Don’t let lead singer Tierinii Jackson’s petite stature throw you off — the spark plug has a constant current of energy coursing through her veins, a contagious stage presence, and powerful, electrifying pipes.”

Live for Live Music – Best Act You Might Have Missed

 

“Named after the city street that runs from the easternmost city limits all the way to Soulsville, Southern Avenue have been making waves since their formation…you can expect this album to show Stax fans far and wide that Memphis soul is still very much intact.”

Memphis Flyer

 

“…dripping with deep, fiery Soul. The quintet, a sensation in its hometown of Memphis, Tenn., is well on its way to taking its deft blend of R&B and Southern-fried Blues to the rest of the world.”

CityBeat (Cincinnati)

 

“Tierinii Jackson’s voice is stadium quality. There’s much more Beyoncé force than Memphis Minnie grit there, and it’s a blessing. To me, that’s what makes this band worth talking about. In addition to the ridiculous amount of talent you get by tallying everyone in this band, Southern Avenue is youthful and vibrant. They’re out here giving life to a genre too long dominated by people obsessed with emulating the past. And that’s a good deed done for blues fans everywhere.”

I Love Memphis

 

“Southern Avenue shows their talent and true heart. This is a wonderful CD. Beautiful singing, classy backups and instrumentation, and Ori Naftaly on guitar is supreme.”

Smoky Mountain Blues Society

 

“This is a band that based on their collective talents and powerful live performances, is garnering an increasing audience base, and this record should catapult them into the international spotlight.” ****1/2

All About Jazz

 

“If, while listening to Tierinii Jackson sing, you're transported by thoughts of Aretha Franklin or Stevie Wonder, that's no coincidence. She points to these icons as inspiration. Likewise, if you're transported to a Sunday morning church service, that is also no coincidence. She was brought up in the church with musician parents and attended choir practice regularly.”

Memphis Flyer

 

“…a record that hits the ground running and never lets and up…a memorable debut that immediately brightens up the early days of 2017. Highly Recommended.”

Soul Tracks

 

“Tierinii’s vocal is something special…This is an impressive debut from Southern Avenue.”

Making A Scene

 

“…the spicy, vivacious new sound of Memphis soul. One listen to ‘Don’t Give Up,’ which opens the album on a hook of hand-clapping and simple guitar, points straight ahead that the real deal is in the house. When miss Jackson gets to the meat of the song—well, damn. She’s incredible, gritting her teeth and pouring it out about believing.”

Elmore

 

“The self-titled release features soulful originals such as ‘Don’t Give Up,’ ‘What Did I Do,’ ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright,’ ‘Love Me Right’ and ‘Wildflower.’ ‘Don't Give Up’ features a spiritual vibe thanks to its soulful vocals and gritty guitars…the group pays tribute to its roots with a rousing rendition of the Ann Peebles’ Memphis soul classic ‘Slipped, Tripped and Fell in Love.’ It’s spirited stuff.”

Cleveland Scene

 

“Old-school soul and R&B gets a welcome infusion of youthful spirit and drive from this rock-solid, savvy Memphis quintet.”

Roots Music Report

 

“The musical collective features five young-but-seasoned musicians who came from diverse musical and personal backgrounds to create music that spans their wide-ranging musical interests. The band’s self-titled debut album offers a blend of gospel- tinged R&B vocals, roots/blues-based guitar work and soul-inspired songwriting.”

Chester County Times (PA)

 

“In tough times, Soul music has always held answers, inspirations, and support to stand tall against the powers that try to hold us down. Southern Avenue advises that when you start to feel the weight, hang on and ‘Don’t Give Up.’”

The Alternate Root

 

“After experiencing such talent and energy up close, we came away feeling that Southern Avenue is, as much as anything, a state of mind, one that musically reflects the short ride it takes listeners to go from classic to contemporary, gospel to secular, black to white, east to west, north to south and back again. It’s the journey of a lifetime, and this is a band whose music and perhaps whose very existence may be the perfect representation of hope in dark times.”

Elmore

 

“This band clicks together and you can see the collaboration when they play, they just perform together in sync. Tiernii's powerful voice accompanied by the solos from Ori, Jeremy and Tikyra make this band wonderful to listen and watch perform live.”

Unrated Entertainment Magazine

 

“With powerful female vocals over a horn and guitar-driven soul base this is an impressive debut.”

The Groove - Crossroads Blues Society

 

“Musically, Southern Avenue draw a line between the heyday of Soul music right into today without giving their sound a retro tag. The vintage rhythms are matched with the story lines on Southern Avenue as the tunes attaches themselves to current causes as the band urges to stand firm on album opener ‘Don’t Give Up,’ and seeks salvation in Gospel Soul as ‘Peace Will Come’ raises its voices for unity.”

The Alternate Root

 

“When I first heard Southern Avenue, I was floored. Floored by the way this recently-formed five-piece band sound like they are straight out of Memphis.”

Washington Blues Society Bluesletter

 

“They’ve recorded a winning album worth checking out, but this is a band to be experienced live for a strong dose of healthy rock and soul with much-needed optimism capable of lifting spirits and bringing people together.”

Jambands

 

“Led by sisters Tierinii (vocals) and Tikyra Jackson (drums), this quintet with Israeli powerhouse guitarist Ori Naftaly, jazz bassist Daniel McKee and keyboardist Jeremy Powell pull out all the stops and tricks of an exquisitely talented act. Produced by Patty Griffin producer Kevin Houston, with guests Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars and trumpeter Marc Franklin, they totally improve upon “Slipped, Tripped and Fell in Love,” the 1971 Ann Peebles hit, as well as rock their originals into a frothy Memphis soul stew fit to twitch your body to in ways you didn’t think you could. That’s how good they are.”

Goldmine

 

Southern Avenue is a hit, and after just one listen it is obvious why this band was the hometown choice for the International Blues Challenge. The band is worthy of the Stax Records label, and this is one of the best debut albums of the year. It deserves a listen, and be sure to take a peek at their website as they have a heavy touring schedule through the end of summer, including shows all over the states and a few festivals in the Netherlands. If this album is any indication of what their live show is like, it would be a great idea to make the time to seek them out!”

Blues Blast

 

“Tierini Jackson is the visual fulcrum of the band. She’s a natural performer. Watching her work the stage tonight must be what it felt like to see Tina Turner before she was famous...It doesn’t matter that I didn’t know Southern Avenue’s songs going into the show. Their energy is captivating.”

Ink 19

 

“…excellent debut recording…”

Jazz & Blues Report

 

“Singer Tierinii Jackson’s voice is sweet and strong, able to break hearts (‘It’s Gonna be Alright’ and ‘Love Me Right’) and kick asses (‘80 Miles to Memphis’ and ‘No Time to Lose’). Add her sister Tikyra on drums and the searing guitar of Israeli bluesman Ori Naftaly and you have a first-rate band ready to party.”

Ft. Myers magazine

 

“There is plenty of soul on the self-titled debut from Memphis-based quintet Southern Avenue…The young group's rich understanding of soul, blues and R&B manifests itself via 10 solid tracks, including the uptempo original ‘Don't Give Up’ (featuring slide guitar work from guest Luther Dickinson), the heartfelt ballad ‘Love Me Right’ and the infectious blues rocker ‘No Time to Lose’ (featuring some hot fretwork from Naftaly).”

Rock ‘n’ Roll Truth