JAZZ, MODERN JAZZ
Steve Holt is a two-time JUNO Award-nominated Canadian jazz pianist and composer and one of Canada’s premier jazz artists. His latest album IMPACT has received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year
A graduate of McGill University’s prestigious music program (B.Mus Jazz Performance, 1981), Holt built his career through decades of international performances, collaborations, and critically acclaimed recordings. He has performed with legendary figures such as Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, James Moody, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Bob Mover, and Michel Urbaniak.
In 1983, Holt’s debut album earned a JUNO nomination, setting the tone for a career marked by artistic excellence and innovation. In 2002, he earned Honorable Mention at the USA Songwriting Competition, the world’s largest songwriting contest.
In 2025 he put together The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet, a powerhouse all-star ensemble featuring Canada’s top jazz talent.
Kevin Turcotte – trumpet
Perry White – saxophone
Steve Holt – piano, keys
Duncan Hopkins – bass
Terry Clarke – drums
The group delivers electrifying performances rooted in jazz tradition but fueled by modern creativity.
In April 2025, Steve Holt released “The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet – IMPACT,” his first album as leader and composer in over two decades. The album has received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
“An intense album bursting with creativity. FOUR STARS”– Jack Kenny, All About Jazz (USA)
“This is Canadian jazz at its finest.” – Gordon Jack, Jazz Journal (UK)
“An exciting, intense, and high-energy music collection, Impact fires up the mind and the spirit, and is highly recommended for connoisseurs of upbeat, joyful jazz.” – Midwest Book Review (USA)
“Impact stands as a vibrant new chapter in Steve Holt’s storied career, rooted in tradition, yet resonating firmly in the now.” – Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move (France)
“O Canada, the National Anthem of up north and what he does with it on solo piano is akin to what Hendrix did to Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock.” – Mike Greenblatt, The Aquarian (International)
DISCOGRAPHY
• 1983: The Lion’s Eyes (Plug)
• 1991: Christmas Light (Inner Music)
• 1992: Just Duet (Sackville)
• 1993: Catwalk (Sackville)
• 2001: The Dream (Trilogy)
• 2025: IMPACT (Inner Music)
• 2025: Jazz Christmas – Live at Waring House (Inner Music)
HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
• 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year.
• Feature interview in Cadence Magazine, January 2026 edition.
• 2025 Global Music Awards, 2 Silver Medals
• Honorable Mention, Best Latin Song 2002, USA Songwriting Competition
• 1983 JUNO Award Nomination (Best Jazz Album)
• Seven full-length albums released
• International touring and performance credits
