New. Over My Head
John Holiday (countertenor), Kevin Miller (piano)
Awards:
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Presto Recording of the Week, 17th July 2026
There's scrupulous attention to words, elegant phrasing, and a happy partnership with the pianist Kevin Miller, handsomely on show in three demanding Vocalises by Carlos Simon.
New. Over My Head
John Holiday (countertenor), Kevin Miller (piano)
Purchase product
Awards:
-
Presto Recording of the Week, 17th July 2026
There's scrupulous attention to words, elegant phrasing, and a happy partnership with the pianist Kevin Miller, handsomely on show in three demanding Vocalises by Carlos Simon.
About
Countertenor John Holiday presents Over My Head, a striking and deeply personal debut that reflects both the breadth of his artistry and the clarity of his artistic voice.
Praised as one of the finest countertenors of his generation, Holiday brings together a thoughtfully curated programme spanning spirituals, contemporary works, and art song. From intimate moments at the piano to collaborations with pianist Kevin Miller, the album includes works by Hall Johnson, Robert L. Morris, H. Leslie Adams, world premieres by Theo Morrison and Carlos Simon, and arrangements by Holiday himself, highlighting repertoire shaped by curiosity, individuality, and expressive depth.
Rooted in themes of resilience, faith, and love, Over My Head offers a heartfelt musical journey that speaks with both intimacy and conviction. Each work has been selected for its emotional resonance and its ability to connect across time and experience, forming a narrative that feels both personal and universal.
Contents and tracklist
Spotlight on this release
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John Holiday's Over My Head
17th Jul 2026
The American countertenor's unique voice and bold artistic personality shine brightly on his debut album, with pianist Kevin Miller matching his flair and stylistic versatility in a programme of spirituals, American song cycles and jazz standards.
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John Holiday on Over My Head
13th Jul 2026
The American countertenor discusses his debut solo album (out this Friday on Pentatone), the relationship between his faith and his music, and two trailblazing Black singers who inspired him in his youth.
Awards and reviews
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Presto Recording of the Week17th July 2026
August 2026
There's scrupulous attention to words, elegant phrasing, and a happy partnership with the pianist Kevin Miller, handsomely on show in three demanding Vocalises by Carlos Simon.
August 2026
Holiday's voice is a thrilling one: bags of power right across a wide range, androgynous but not in an asexual way, rather trying on masculine and feminine colours for size.
17th July 2026
The voice itself is extraordinary,but the special ingredient goes beyond technical finesse: Holiday is one of those artists whose conviction can hit you in the solar plexus with a single phrase, as indeed it does on numerous occasions here.
