The New York Times has included countertenor John Holiday’s debut album, Over My Head, among its best classical albums of August 2026, with the paper writing that musicality like John Holiday’s can’t be taught.
The Pentatone release brings together spirituals, contemporary art song, and world premiere recordings by Theo Morrison and Carlos Simon, alongside works by Hall Johnson, Robert L. Morris, and H. Leslie Adams. Holiday is joined throughout by pianist and longtime collaborator Kevin Miller. Rooted in what Holiday has called “Love in the Key of Resilience,” the album traces a deeply personal arc shaped by faith, hope, and individuality.
The Times highlights Holiday’s ability to move beyond the printed score, noting that when he sings, the sheet music’s bar lines and notations fall away.
Read the full article here.
Over My Head is out now on PENTATONE.
