Steve Holt

Steve Holt was a child prodigy starting to play piano at the age of 4. Born in Montreal Canada, he began his professional career at the age of 18, playing the clubs in and around Montreal. Since that time, Steve has built an international reputation as one of Canada's premier Jazz pianists, having worked with the likes of Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, James Moody, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Michel Urbaniak.

The Montreal Years

It was not until the age of twenty-two that Steve began formal music studies. He entered McGill University, studying jazz piano with Armas Maiste and graduating with distinction in 1981 as McGill's first-ever Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz performance. It was also during this period that Steve travelled regularly to New York to study piano with world-renowned pianist Kenny Barron. Also in 1981, Steve was appointed to McGill's Faculty of Music as instructor of Jazz improvisation. In 1983, Steve produced his debut recording, The Lion's Eyes. It was trio on side A and sextet on side B - the sextet including Michel Donato, Bass; Camil Belisle, Drums; Bob Mover, Alto Saxophone; Steve Hall, Tenor Saxophone, and Charles Ellison, Trumpet. The LP won critical acclaim around the world, and was one of the five final JUNO (Canadian equivalent of a GRAMMY) nominations for best Jazz album that year. Jazz Times called it "a well-crafted album of music played to the hilt by all concerned". During the next several years, Steve played the Montreal Jazz circuit, taking time out to participate in many of Canada's Jazz festivals. Steve was also an active studio musician, as a performer and arranger for radio and television commercials and third party recordings.

 Montreal International Jazz Festival c.1985

Recent Years -Toronto

In October 1987, Steve moved to Toronto, where he recorded two more important jazz CDs for the Sackville label. In 2002 Steve recorded his first CD as a vocalist as well as pianist and keyboardist - an CD of Adult Contemporary music for the Trilogy label. This CD led to him winning an Honorable Mention at the 2002 USA Songwriting Competition, the largest songwriting competition in the world. The award included a showcase tour of major U.S cities including New York, Washington DC, Nashville, and Los Angeles.

By 2014 Steve had fully returned to his jazz roots with many live performances.

In 2025 he released IMPACT with The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet.

Steve currently lives in Trent Hills Ontario, about 2 hours east of Toronto and 3 hours west of Ottawa. 

CD Launch, Cafe Centro, Toronto

JUNO nomination for Best Jazz Album 1983

Discography

The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet - Impact - 2025 (Inner Music) JAZZ

Steve Holt - Soon - 2003 (Trilogy) Single Latin/AC

USA Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention Winner

Steve Holt - Just To Be With You - 2002 (Trilogy) Single AC, AOR

Steve Holt - The Dream - 2002 (Trilogy) AC, AOR

Steve Holt - We Need You - 2002 (Trilogy) Single AC, AOR

Steve Holt - Catwalk - 1993 (Sackville) JAZZ

Steve Holt & Kieran Overs - Just Duet - 1992 (Sackville) JAZZ

Steve Holt - Christmas Light - 1991 (Inner Music) HOLIDAY

Steve Holt - The Lion's Eyes - 1983 (Plug) Vinyl LP JAZZ 

Awards

• JUNO (nominated 1983) Best Jazz Album for "The Lion's Eyes".

• USA Songwriting Competition - Best Latin Song  (Honorable Mention 2002) for the composition "Soon".