(September 4, 2026) Jennifer Holliday has deservedly been showered with flowers by SoulTracks for her stage work and for a voice that cuts like a knife –whether singing jazz, dance and soul. While the smash musical Dreamgirls proved an impactful platform, especially her crème de la crème performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” her hit and miss recording chapter afterwards was due to production and song choices that on many occasions were mismatched with Holliday’s vocal phrasing and power. Through it all, SoulTracks recognized her contributions in musical theater (Sing Mahalia (Jackson) Sing) and recording highlights (“Touch” and “So In Love” plus a high nod for her 1994 gospel album, On and On).
This year, renowned U.K. D.J./producer Paul Simpson (Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye) has delivered more flowers on the 5-track, Recaptured 3, Jennifer Holliday Rerecorded, Reimagined & Unreleased, featuring “And I Am Telling You…” This E. P. finds Simpson diving into the mixing lab, reshaping dancefloor experiences alongside Holliday’s penetrating soulful soprano.
From Recaptured 3, the focus goes to the unreleased, “You Got the Best (of My Love),” building upon Simpson’s piano hooks, sweeping strings, throbbing congas and snappy brass. After the rhythm section hits a minute later, Holliday pilots the melody from a soft plea to a resounding gospel vibe with growls and soaring glee. And each instrumental section plays a significant role in pushing this thoughtful arrangement, topped off with a lively vibraharp solo. While those disco beats could have overtaken the lead vocal, Simpson smartly balances the soundtrack as Holliday handles the narrative of a woman spreading all the love to that special someone. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
Hear the entire album below:
