“Jackson sat in a chair with folks leaning out of their seats to catch his every word, and he auditioned several songs from his forthcoming CD. The guy is Austin's version of Bob Dylan when he sings solo - both in the quality of his voice and the poetry of his lyrics.” 　　 　　Flanfire, May 2005 　　 　　“An Assorted Cast of Characters” is Jackson’s 3rd CD, his second in the last eight months. 　　 　　Jackson grew up with the name Michael Jackson in Madison, Wisconsin. He began playing guitar at the age of 16 and immediately began writing songs. Over the next two years he discovered the music of Stax and Motown, which would lay the foundation of how he approaced guitar. 　　 　　Growing up in the midwest allowed him to see and absorb ideas from legendary Chicago blues artists like Buddy Guy and A.C. Reed, as well as being exposed to cutting edge Minneapolis bands such as the Replacements and Soul Asylum. 　　 　　After moving to Austin, Texas he quickly gained acclaim as a songwriter while absorbing the rich musical diversity the city has to offer. He later interned at Flashpoint, a popular local studio, learning the process of recording and witnessing sessions with seasoned pros like James McMurtry, Paul Pearcy (Dixie Chicks) and Redd Volkeart (Merle Haggard) to name a few. The experience was priceless. 　　 　　Jackson is still living in Austin, and a very active member of the scene there, working as a songwriter, session musician and producer/engineer. 　　 　　Other musicians on this album are Perry Drake (drums), Bruce Lawrence (guitar), Kevin Hollingsworth (guitar) and Dawn Biega (cello). 　　 　　Lyrics to Jackson's songs are found on his website.