R&B groups from the D.C./Baltimore area were unique in that they would create elaborate vocal arrangements to complement the lead; they didn't just ooh and ah in the background.
"I Destroyed Your Love (Parts 1 & 2)" is a prime example of the trend -- lead singer
Terry Huff's shrill falsetto cries and whines as
Reginald Ross,
George Parker and
Chester Fortune, singing in ringing three-part harmonies, add some sparkling choruses to the drama; a tenor emerges from the threesome and provides some needed relief from
Huff's soprano high pleadings. Only
Terry is pictured on the album's cover;
Special Delivery was an ever-changing ensemble of singers.
Andy Huff and
Jimmy Huff (
Terry's brothers) are the backing voices on "The Lonely One." A charmer from the first note,
Terry sounds real hurt, the type of hurt that lasts for years. All of the songs centered on
Terry's real-life problem: a knock-down, drag-out divorce. He missed the family pet so much he wrote a sentimental ballad about the mutt entitled "Poochie"; seems his ex got to keep the dog. This is not a happy album; the songs are some of the saddest imaginable, all filled with self-condemnation. These songs provided a needed release for
Terry, who wrote everything except "When You're Lonely" -- another "I'm gonna jump" tune. I hate to think what
Terry might have done if he had not found an outlet by writing and recording this album. ~ Andrew Hamilton
![The Very Best of Smooth Jazz Guitar [Shanachie]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0016351504326_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "The Very Best of Smooth Jazz Guitar [Shanachie]")