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Steve Holt

Steve Holt is a two-time JUNO Award-nominated musician and one of Canada’s most respected jazz pianists. This year The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year for IMPACT — marking a major milestone for the acclaimed Canadian pianist, composer, and bandleader.

In 1981 Steve received McGill University’s first-ever Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz performance and studied piano in NYC with world-renowned pianist Kenny Barron. In 1983 he released his debut album which was nominated for a JUNO. Since then, Steve has built an international reputation having performed with Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, Eddie Henderson, James Moody, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Bob Mover, and Michel Urbaniak. In 2002 he won Honorable Mention at the USA Songwriting Competition – the largest songwriting competition in the world. He currently has 7 CD albums to his credit. Steve released a new recording in April 2025 with his new band The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet, his first album as leader and composer in 20 years, which received a JUNO Award nomination. Featuring a dynamic blend of quintet performances and solo piano work, the album has made a significant impact on the Canadian and international jazz scenes, with fresh new compositions and a powerhouse quintet consisting of Canada's top jazz performers: Steve on piano, Perry White on saxophone, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet, Duncan Hopkins on bass, and Terry Clarke on drums.

Awards

2026 JUNO Award Nomination Jazz Album of the Year for IMPACT.

2025 Global Music Awards Silver Medal - "Second Voyage"

2025 Global Music Awards Silver Medal - "Impact"

2002 USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention Best Latin Song "Soon"

1983 JUNO Nominee Best Jazz Album

Gear

Yamaha Grand Piano C3, Nord Grand, JBL Eon 615 Powered Speakers

Steve Holt: Impact

by Jack Kenny
June 17, 2025

To create a new album after a twenty-year gap is intriguing. In his long career Steve Holt has worked with Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell Eddie Henderson, Pat LaBarbera, James Moody and Michel Urbaniak. He studied with Kenny Barron, an experience that affected his keyboard style. Surrounding himself with some major Canadian musicians, he has produced some new vital work: a library of new themes for the group to work on. The main task of a composer is to ...

Award / Grant

Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet Nominated For 2026 Juno Award – Jazz Album Of The Year

Source: Orange Grove Publicity
January 31, 2026

The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet has received a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year for their latest release, Impact—marking a major milestone for the acclaimed Canadian pianist, composer, and bandleader Steve Holt. The nomination recognizes Impact as one of Canada’s most compelling jazz recordings of the year. The album showcases Holt’s return as a leader and composer, supported by a powerhouse quintet featuring Perry White (saxophone), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Duncan Hopkins (bass), and Terry Clarke ...
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Recording

Steve Holt To Release New Album - Impact - On April 25, 2025

Source: Orange Grove Publicity
April 18, 2025

Celebrated Canadian jazz pianist returns with a fresh collection of original compositions Pianist Steve Holt's latest album IMPACT is a celebration of fresh, original compositions crafted over more than a year, showcasing Holt’s dual passion for composing and playing. This release marks an exciting new chapter in his storied career, blending innovative ideas with a deep respect for the jazz tradition. Each track is a testament to his creative spirit and the joy he finds in exploring new musical landscapes. ...
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Recording

Steve Holt Celebrates 40th Anniversary Digital Reissue Of Debut Album 'The Lion's Eyes'

Source: Steve Holt
December 21, 2023

Jazz fans and music enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as Steve Holt, JUNO-nominated musician and renowned jazz pianist, announces the digital reissue of his debut album, The Lion's Eyes, on December 22, exactly 40 years after its original vinyl release. Originally nominated for a JUNO award, “The Lion's Eyes" showcases Holt's talent on the piano and features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Bob Mover on alto saxophone, Charles Ellison on trumpet, Steve Hall on tenor saxophone, Michel ...
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Performance / Tour

Award Winning Canadian Jazz Pianist Steve Holt to Perform in Fort Lauderdale

Source: Michael Ricci
September 10, 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE, Sept 8 – Top Canadian jazz pianist and composer Steve Holt is confirmed to perform three nights in Fort Lauderdale next month, at BLUE JEAN BLUES – Fort Lauderdale’s new jazz and blues club. The performances will mark the first time Mr. Holt has performed in Florida. Born in Montreal Canada, Steve Holt was a child prodigy who started to play piano at the age of four. He began his professional career playing clubs in Montreal and later ...
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"Renowned as one of Canada's top jazz pianists." - Maria Tzavaras, Inside Toronto (Toronto CANADA)

"Holt is an emphatic, bop-based pianist whose solos simply pop from one phrase to the next." - Mark Miller, Globe & Mail (Toronto CANADA)

"His control over the keyboard obviously comes from a lifetime of devotion to his craft and the evidence is clear that he is truly a master." - Bobbie Gallop, Gallop N Dawg Music (Nashville TN)

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Toronto

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Steve graduated with distinction in 1981 as McGill University's first-ever Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz performance. He was appointed as instructor of Jazz Improvisation and taught ensemble and jazz piano during that time. It was also during this period that Steve travelled regularly to New York to study piano with world-renowned pianist Kenny Barron. He currently teaches private students in jazz as well as small jazz improvisation ensembles.