Musically the typical Motown sound of those years is on offer - even shallower and soulful, sometimes faster and rhythmic - sung by two very good voices - and this is crucial - all excellently harmonize with each other. The chemistry is right, it crackles between singing partners. Not by chance was Tammi Terrell then as the ideal duet partner for Marvin Gaye, who had previously sung with Mary Wells and Kim Weston duets. And even today, the combination of Marvin Gaye / Tammi Terrell is often considered one of the best duets of all time. Also with respect. Sound quality I have nothing to complain about at the "Complete Duets Collection".
It is not entirely clear who the female vocals on most tracks of the last album Easy (1-12 on CD 2) took over (only for "I Can not Believe You Love Me" and "More, more, more" is indisputable, that Terrell sang). In January 1968, a brain tumor was diagnosed with Tammi Terrell. Despite a successful operation it was then on her health and on: they had to undergo as a result of other interventions, was temporarily paralyzed on one side after the 6th operation. Nevertheless she took, as far as allowed her condition, in between the studio on some new songs (some tracks on "You're All I Need" but based on solo recordings Terells 1966, which Gaye's vocals added). In March 1970 Terrell died of complications after a further operation. According to a biography of Marvin Gaye, the producer Valerie Simpson is said to have sung in 1969, most of the songs, Terrell's voice skillfully imitating. Gaye called the fact that he had this game reluctant participated, as a reason for his often less intense vocals on the album Easy. This presentation, which is also reproduced in the booklet, contradicts Tammi's sister Ludie Montgomery. She claims that Tammi Terrell was to hear all tracks of the album and leading to an interview in which Valerie Simpson is said to have denied to have even sung. Contemporary sources seem to indicate that Terrell in the spring of 1969, in a wheelchair sitztend, for a time worked in Motown studio. How much they could afford this, however, is unclear.
Who itself wants to get an idea if Simpson or does it Terrell said tracks sings, provides for the collection much comparative material. Anyway - are worth listening to the songs of the last album, although "Easy" m. E. does not reach the excellent two previous albums.
Worthy of criticism is only the booklet. Although a few nice photos included, but why is on pages 12/13 Tammi Terrell pictured with David Ruffin? The English text seems, unfortunately, cobbled together quickly, the individual sections partly disjointed. One misses also draft or new information. Here one would have more trouble and desired in design and text.
The latter is the only criticism. Otherwise, you can see the "Complete Duets Collection" thoroughly recommended.
