Veteran pianist Steve Holt returns with IMPACT, an exhilarating new release that signals a powerful and imaginative evolution in his illustrious jazz career. The album showcases a stunning collection of original compositions, brimming with passion, sophistication, and a sense of joyful exploration.
Composed over the span of a year, IMPACT is more than just a musical statement—it's a testament to Holt's enduring creativity and his deep-rooted connection to the jazz tradition. Each track features inventive writing and inspired improvisation, capturing the spirit of a quintet that plays with precision, freedom, and soul.
Leading the charge is the explosive title track “Impact,” a high-energy tune that encapsulates the album’s bold tone and collective chemistry. Tracks like “Second Voyage” take listeners on cinematic sonic journeys—dreamlike and expansive, with echoes of Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage. Meanwhile, “Lalita’s Waltz,” a tender jazz waltz dedicated to Holt’s wife, channels the romantic, harmonic richness of Bill Evans with modern twists that surprise and delight.
Rounding out the album are several more Holt originals, a fiery take on Tom McIntosh’s “Cup Bearers,” and a moving solo piano rendition of “O Canada.” This national anthem reimagined becomes a stunning showcase of Holt’s technical and emotional range—elevating the familiar to something profound and personal.
Joining Holt on this powerful recording are some of Canada’s most respected jazz artists:
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Kevin Turcotte (trumpet & flugelhorn)
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Perry White (tenor saxophone)
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Duncan Hopkins (bass)
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Terry Clarke (drums)
Together, The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet delivers an album that feels fresh and timeless—an essential listen for jazz lovers everywhere.
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