Music Review: Southern Avenue's - Found A Friend In You

Southern Avenue’s latest single, Found A Friend In You, is a powerful testament to the band’s evolution, blending their signature Memphis grooves with fresh, vibrant energy. Over the years, the band has carved out a space in modern roots music that is both deeply authentic and constantly evolving, and this track is yet another bold step forward.

Formed in 2016, Southern Avenue quickly gained momentum with their 2017 self-titled debut album on the legendary Stax Records label. They brought a contemporary edge to classic soul and blues traditions, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Their 2019 follow-up, Keep On, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and multiple Blues Music Awards followed, further cementing their place as one of the most exciting bands in the genre.

Beyond their studio work, Southern Avenue is a relentless touring band, bringing their high-energy performances to stages around the world. They’ve played major festivals like Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Firefly, and have shared stages with icons like Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Most recently, they’ve been on the road supporting Willie Nelson and Family, as well as performing at Farm Aid, proving time and again that they belong among the greats.

Found A Friend In You is an exuberant celebration of friendship, trust, and resilience. The song’s upbeat groove is anchored by a tight rhythm section, with Luther Dickinson’s bass adding a deep, organic foundation. Tierinii Jackson delivers yet another masterful vocal performance—her voice is rich with emotion, effortlessly shifting between power and warmth. The song’s uplifting message is woven into every note, making it an anthem for anyone who has found strength in those around them.

One of the most exciting elements of Found A Friend In You is the way the band is opening up their sound, particularly through the addition of violin. Ava Jackson delivers a stunning solo that elevates the track, introducing a new texture to Southern Avenue’s sonic landscape. The interplay between guitar and violin creates a dynamic, electrifying moment, proving that the band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. The decision to highlight the violin so prominently is a bold move, and it pays off beautifully—adding another layer of soulfulness to their already rich and textured sound.

Southern Avenue has never been a band content with staying in one lane. They take risks, push boundaries, and embrace new elements while staying grounded in the blues, soul, and Memphis traditions that define them. Found A Friend In You is a shining example of their artistic growth—infectious, heartfelt, and impossible not to move to.

Southern Avenue is the future of the blues—not by leaving tradition behind, but by pushing it forward. Their sound embodies Memphis blues today: deep roots, raw hill country energy, soul-drenched vocals, and gospel-infused fire. They’re proof that the blues isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.