Tammi Terrell – The Essential Collection CD (Spectrum)

Tammi Terrell, whose work this is The Essential Collection of, is destined to be forever linked with Marvin Gaye. During the 60s, the swoonsome twosome recorded a succession of sublime duets, establishing themselves as America’s sweethearts. Tragically their partnership was prematurely ended in 1970 when Tammi died of a brain tumour. However, as this superb Motown collection deftly demonstrates, her less-familiar but currently highly sought-after solo recordings are equally deserving of celebration. Although Terrell was still only 20 when she signed for Motown in 1965, she had already recorded for Specter/Wand and spent a tempestuous year as part of the notorious James Brown Revue. Newly arrived at Hitsville, Tammi was teamed with writer/producers Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol. There followed a string of brilliant, though only moderately successful singles and the classic long-player “Irresistible”. All of the aforementioned are included here, alongside B-sides, rarities and a Marvin duet. Standouts among many include the mid-tempo alchemy of “Come On and See Me”, Tammi’s joyous scamper through the Isleys’ classic “This Old Heart of Mine” and “Lone, Lonely Town”, a string-stirred swirler, which until recently was criminally gathering dust in the Motown archives. –Chris King