Album Essentials: Southern Avenue "Be The Love You Want" (2021)

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Ahh Memphis! The rich musical heritage of Memphis, Tennessee, is something to behold, ponder, and study. From Sun to Stax and everything in between and beyond, music rides in the air, runs in the water supply, and grows in the earth. The legacy of great records and artists to have come from Memphis is amazing, but it's not just a piece of history; it is ongoing, as proven by acts like Southern Avenue.

Formed in 2015, it was clear from the start that they were genuine as they effortlessly combined the gritty soul groove of the past with a modern flair that was enriched by what came before, not buried by it. Drawing on blues, soul, and gospel with nods to rock and roll, pop, and jazz, the group was signed to the legendary Stax label, which released their self-titled debut LP in 2017 and their sophomore effort, 'Keep On,' in 2019.

The band quickly gained a reputation for those stellar recordings and the dynamic live shows they routinely put on. The dynamic vocals of Tierinii Jackson gave a powerhouse front to the rock-solid band. In 2017, the band signed with Renew/BMG Records for their third album, “Be The Love You Want,” which gathered up more rave reviews due to such songs as the funk driven 'Control,' the soulful glory of 'Push Now' and the hard driving 'Pressure.' The band covers a variety of moods and moves on this album, with nothing out of reach.

Their second album was nominated for a Grammy, adding to their fuel. The album was produced by friend and multi-Grammy-winning producer Steve Berlin of Los Lobos fame. Plenty of acts of any given genre can easily imitate sounds from the past, but it is the act that can take in all those influences and re-deliver them with their own stamp. Southern Avenue is one that can and does so in full on 'Be The Love You Want.'

After wrapping up a summer tour with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp, Southern Avenue is back on the road once again, taking their message to the people in a natural setting.