by Ron WynnDetroit-born vocalist Colonel Abrams (his actual name) enjoyed moderate success in the late 80s, singing in a harsh, terse soul style while fitting his voice into a garage and house setting. Abrams was in the group Conservative Manor with his brother Morris in the late 60s, then sang lead vocals for 94 East in 1976. Their roster included Prince on guitar. Abrams later joined Surprise Package, a New Jersey group. He scored a mild hit in 1984 with the ballad Leave the Message Behind the Door for New Yorks Streetwise Records. The follow-up, Music Is the Answer, was an international dance hit and earned him a deal with MCA in 1985. He had more success with the singles Trapped, Im Not Gonna Let You, and How Soon We Forget in the late 80s, and also recorded a pair of LPs. Abrams single Bad Timing was produced by Cameos Larry Blackmon for the independent Horrus label in 1990.