Randy Jackson: This Sibling Lets His Music Do the Talking : Pop: The youngest of the six brothers strikes out on his own. His debut is at the Roxy tonight.

Randy Jackson was slouched in a chair in a nondescript office in a Westside rehearsal hall. His body was there but his mind was miles away.

The young singer-songwriter, the latest of the Jackson clan to do a solo album--”Randy & the Gypsys,” on A&M; Records--had just finished rehearsing with his band in preparation for tonight’s show at the Roxy--the group’s official debut.

A study in preoccupation, Jackson was staring at the ceiling, at his shoes, at the table, at the walls. His voice was a soft mumble. His answers were often one word--yes or no. When he did speak at length, there wasn’t much emotion in his tone.

At 28, he is the youngest of the six Jackson brothers. Slightly built, he has the Jacksons’ trademark square face. He looks something like Michael did before all the cosmetic surgery.

Considering he hadn’t done any performing since the Jacksons’ “Victory” tour, was he feeling anxiety about the Roxy show?

“Yup,” he replied.

Is it hard to be yet another Jackson on the market with a solo album?

“Yup,” he replied, fidgeting in his chair.

Does working with the Gypsys mean he is no longer with the Jacksons?

“No,” he said.

He didn’t talk much about the Gypsys, but he did indicate he preferred being part of a band to being a solo artist with a backup unit.

Though he is working with a band, Jackson did most of the work on the album--writing, producing, arranging, singing and playing several instruments. His music is a blend of R&B;/funk and rock. The best songs--”Luv Thang” and “Love You Honey”--have Princean funk overtones.

Did he encounter many problems making the album?

“Nope,” he replied.

After a few more single-word replies, Jackson volunteered: “There’s just stuff I don’t like to talk about.”

What stuff?

“I can’t really say,” he said. “I know when it comes up that I don’t like to talk about it.”

Jackson wasn’t being hostile or rude. In fact, he was quite amiable. Maybe it was just a mood. Maybe he is uncomfortable with interviews. Or maybe he’s another eccentric Jackson.

He admitted to being somewhat shy. “But I function when I have to,” he added. “I just don’t have a lot to say all the time.”

Possibly fearing he was giving the impression that he was a kook who was wary of people, Jackson insisted, “I like people. I get along with them. Being a Jackson doesn’t get in the way of me dealing with people. I’m proud of being a Jackson, but being a Jackson doesn’t mean I’m better than other people.”

Suddenly, Jackson was rolling. Full sentences flowed.

Jackson said he’s not trying to capitalize on the family name. For instance, he didn’t want to use his name on the album, but the label executives didn’t like that idea.

“I compromised,” he said. “I just used my first name. I can make it without help from the Jackson name. The music is strong enough to grab people on its own.”

Another topic that aroused his interest was the fate of “2300 Jackson Street,” the Jacksons album on Epic Records that fizzled on the pop charts in early summer. With its sizzling, high-tech funk, it really did deserve a better fate.

“Record company politics got in the way,” said Jackson. “They chose the wrong singles too. I wasn’t happy with what happened to that album.”

He reflected on another issue--being on the same label with sister Janet, who is A&M;’s biggest star. Her “Rhythm Nation 1814” is the No. 1 pop album in the country.

Why did his album come out about the same time as hers--necessarily taking a back seat to it?

“That’s not the way I wanted it,” he said. “But, as it turned out, I couldn’t change the scheduling of the album.”

Many remember Jackson’s 1980 auto accident, in which he broke his legs and was disabled for a year. He said he still has a problem with his left leg.

Does it get in the way of performing?

“Nope,” he replied.

Did physical problems hamper his career in the early ‘80s?

“No,” he said.

The return to one-word answers signaled that Jackson was all talked out.