Carmen Jackson and The Next Phase Band

Few of carmen Jackson's colleagues know the pettie woman, who tolis for eight hours a day at local company's accounts payable department, is increasingly becoming a big entertainer at Detroit's premier spots.

But jazz knowledgeable fans can catch the detroit native's brassy alto vocals tonight at 8pm at the Harlequin Cafe when she performs with the Randall Poindexter Trio.
Jackson isn't just some new kid on the block, she is the niece of the late viberphonist and Detroit's own legendary jazzmaster Milt Jackson.

As Jackson, stops to ponder how her career is taking shape, a smile slowly creeps across her face when she suddenly realizes her voice is being played over European radio airwaves. the europen connection came as a result of an album project she sang on that was produced by bass player and Windsor(Ontario) Orchestra-member Derek Johnson.
Jackson said she is looking to carry on the family's jazz legacy.
I've always considered myself a singer, because I grew up singing in church and school choirs, but I never gave much thought to singing professionally- that is until my uncle gave me hius blessing before he died," Jackson said. I was always a little afraid to audition for him, because my uncle was type of person to say exactly what was on his mind and when I sang for him, he got really quiet for a few seconds and then said: What took you so Long?"
He further admonished her, telling her time was not a factor she needed to dwell on, but rather, her commitment to get serious about music was more important. She said he told her never to get big headed about having the ability to sing, but to focus on sharing that gift with listening audience. - Detroit NewsPapers June 07,2000