Record Review

Loleatta Holloway, First Choice – Love Sensation / Dr Love (Marshall Jefferson 12″ Re-Edit)

Artist Loleatta Holloway, First Choice
Label Suss'd Records
Catalog # SALSA RE 12 003
Year 2004
Format Vinyl - 12"
Funk / Soul Disco

# Loleatta Holloway and First Choice: Love Sensation / Dr Love Review

Loleatta Holloway stands as one of the most influential voices in disco and soul music, and her work with First Choice remains a cornerstone of the genre. This 2004 release on Suss'd Records presents two classic tracks reimagined through the lens of Marshall Jefferson, one of house music's most respected producers and pioneers. Jefferson's involvement in these re-edits brings a contemporary appreciation to material that originally defined the sound of mid-1970s dance music.

First Choice, the vocal group that featured Holloway, became synonymous with sophisticated disco during the mid-to-late 1970s. Their original recordings showcased tight harmonies and funky arrangements that made them favorites in clubs and on radio alike. When these classics were reissued and re-edited in 2004, it represented both a celebration of their lasting influence and an opportunity to recontextualize their work for a new generation of listeners and collectors interested in the roots of electronic dance music.

The A-side, "Love Sensation (Special Marshall Jefferson Extended Re-Edit 12" Mix)," stretches to just over eleven minutes, allowing ample space for the original funk and soul elements to breathe while benefiting from Jefferson's production sensibilities. This extended format was designed specifically for the dance floor and collectors seeking deeper cuts. The track maintains the original's infectious grooves and Holloway's warm, expressive vocal delivery while the extended mix format gives DJs and home listeners the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in its hypnotic rhythms.

The flip side, "Dr Love (Special Marshall Jefferson Extended Re-Edit 12" Mix)," rounds out this 8:57 composition with similarly thoughtful reimagining. Both tracks demonstrate how effectively classic funk and disco material can be recontextualized without losing its essential character.

This 12-inch vinyl release represents an important artifact in the ongoing dialogue between house music pioneers and the disco heritage that influenced them. Marshall Jefferson's involvement lends credibility and artistic depth to these re-edits, signaling that this is not merely a commercial reissue but a deliberate artistic statement. For vinyl collectors interested in funk, soul, disco, and the connections between these genres and electronic dance music, this Suss'd Records release serves as both a historical document and a genuinely enjoyable listening experience.

Tracklist

Tracks
  1. A. Love Sensation (Special Marshall Jefferson Extended Re-Edit 12" Mix) (11:05)
  2. B. Dr Love (Special Marshall Jefferson Extended Re-Edit 12" Mix) (8:57)