Acclaimed pianist and composer Steve Holt makes a powerful return with IMPACT, his first album as a leader in over two decades.
—Chr1stoph3r g0nda
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.
At the heart of the album is the title track, Impact—a joyful, explosive, and high-energy composition that perfectly embodies the spirit of this new quintet. The album also features Second Voyage, a dreamy, expansive journey that invites listeners to imagine gliding on a schooner into an endless expanse of blue sky and sea, with subtle nods to Herbie Hancock’s iconic Maiden Voyage. Lalita's Waltz is a beautiful, evocative jazz waltz in the style of Bill Evans, written with heartfelt dedication to Holt’s wife and filled with surprising harmonic twists that captivate the listener. Complementing these compositions are other Holt originals, a smokin’ hot version of Tom McIntosh’s Cup Bearers, and a stunning solo piano rendition of O Canada, a piece that reimagines the national anthem with emotional depth and creative flair. Backing Holt on this project is The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet, a powerhouse band featuring some of Canada’s top jazz players: Perry White on saxophone, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet, Duncan Hopkins on bass, and Terry Clarke on drums. Together, they deliver an album that is both innovative and true to the timeless essence of straight-ahead jazz.
IMPACT will be released worldwide on Friday, April 25th, 2025.
Trumpet: Kevin Turcotte—Kevin is recognized as one of Canada's major trumpet talents with an impressive list of recording and touring credentials. The more than 175 CD's he has played on range in style from folk legend Bruce Cockburn to opera star Measha Bruegergossman to Jazz great Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. He’s received 20 Juno nominations bringing home the coveted prize 5 times.
Saxophone: Perry White—Perry is one of Canada’s premier saxophonists. I love his gorgeous tone and lyrical approach to playing the entire family of saxophones have kept him busy performing in Canada and around the world for over two decades. Perry has developed his own sound which he describes as being “steeped in the tradition of jazz and charged with the energy and experimentation of modern music”.
Bass: Duncan Hopkins—Duncan was born in England and came to Canada with his family in 1971. He can be heard on over fifty albums, numerous CBC, BBC and NPR recordings and has eight recordings as a leader and/or co-leader.
Drums: Terry Clarke—Terry Clarke is quite simply one of the world’s great drummers. In the 1970s Terry toured extensively in Japan and Europe with Jim Hall and Oscar Peterson. He has appeared on over 300 albums throughout his career, and was named Drummer of the Year from Canadian National Jazz Awards for seven years in a row.
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.
At the heart of the album is the title track, Impact—a joyful, explosive, and high-energy composition that perfectly embodies the spirit of this new quintet. The album also features Second Voyage, a dreamy, expansive journey that invites listeners to imagine gliding on a schooner into an endless expanse of blue sky and sea, with subtle nods to Herbie Hancock’s iconic Maiden Voyage. Lalita's Waltz is a beautiful, evocative jazz waltz in the style of Bill Evans, written with heartfelt dedication to Holt’s wife and filled with surprising harmonic twists that captivate the listener. Complementing these compositions are other Holt originals, a smokin’ hot version of Tom McIntosh’s Cup Bearers, and a stunning solo piano rendition of O Canada, a piece that reimagines the national anthem with emotional depth and creative flair. Backing Holt on this project is The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet, a powerhouse band featuring some of Canada’s top jazz players: Perry White on saxophone, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet, Duncan Hopkins on bass, and Terry Clarke on drums. Together, they deliver an album that is both innovative and true to the timeless essence of straight-ahead jazz.
IMPACT will be released worldwide on Friday, April 25th, 2025.
About The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet
Piano and Keyboards: Steve Holt—Steve was born and raised in Montreal and started playing piano at age 4. He began his professional career at the age of eighteen, playing the clubs in and around Montreal. Steve graduated from McGill University with the first ever Bachelor of Music majoring in jazz performance from McGill. He also made regular trips to New York to study with the great pianist Kenny Barron. In 1983, Steve released his debut album, The Lion’s Eyes, which earned a JUNO nomination and established him as one of Canada’s top emerging jazz pianists and composers. Since then Steve has established himself with several more CDs as a leader, and live performances with legendary jazz icons like James Moody, Larry Coryell, Archie Shepp, and others. Steve moved to Toronto in 1987.Trumpet: Kevin Turcotte—Kevin is recognized as one of Canada's major trumpet talents with an impressive list of recording and touring credentials. The more than 175 CD's he has played on range in style from folk legend Bruce Cockburn to opera star Measha Bruegergossman to Jazz great Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. He’s received 20 Juno nominations bringing home the coveted prize 5 times.
Saxophone: Perry White—Perry is one of Canada’s premier saxophonists. I love his gorgeous tone and lyrical approach to playing the entire family of saxophones have kept him busy performing in Canada and around the world for over two decades. Perry has developed his own sound which he describes as being “steeped in the tradition of jazz and charged with the energy and experimentation of modern music”.
Bass: Duncan Hopkins—Duncan was born in England and came to Canada with his family in 1971. He can be heard on over fifty albums, numerous CBC, BBC and NPR recordings and has eight recordings as a leader and/or co-leader.
Drums: Terry Clarke—Terry Clarke is quite simply one of the world’s great drummers. In the 1970s Terry toured extensively in Japan and Europe with Jim Hall and Oscar Peterson. He has appeared on over 300 albums throughout his career, and was named Drummer of the Year from Canadian National Jazz Awards for seven years in a row.
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