Steve Dooks
Steve Dooks is a musical director and composer who has been an East Coast musician for more than 20 years. As a pianist he has performed extensively in Europe and the United States , bringing the unique sound of the Maritimes to the world.
Steve Dooks never took formal piano lessons. He never practiced long hours as a child. He only sat down seriously at the piano at 18. His education came from listening to the “old songs” his father, a semi pro musician, played and sang around the house. Later while studying English at St. Francis Xavier University , Steve was introduced to jazz while hanging around with friends in the music department.
While working in summer stock theatre as an actor, Steve landed a role as a pianist and spent six intense months at the keyboard. He never looked back, studying the stylings of Fats Waller, Floyd Cramer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.
Years of pursuing his gift has produced a totally unique style that has reached maturity. Steve’s music takes him all over the world, playing piano clubs and jazz clubs in Norway , England , Scotland , Germany , Switzerland and Halifax , where he enjoys a permanent, full time piano gig at the popular market, Pete’s Frootique.
Steve is in constant demand as a soloist. His musical proficiency is world class and his performance is high energy. His songs, such as She's Halifax and Farewell to Youth, touch the hearts and souls of many.
Steve is branching out into the world of jazz and has currently recorded and released his first jazz specialty CD, anticipated to be some of his finest musical inspirations yet. “Two Days on the Floor” was recorded in a Halifax living room with bassist Jamie Gatti and drummer Dave James. Eleven songs - eight original and three standards - rehearsed and recorded in two four-hour days. There are no “punchins,” “overdubs” or ”apologies,” just great spur of the moment improvised jazz for all to enjoy!
Whether Steve is playing in a jazz club, part of a black-tie trio, or a maritime ceilidh, Steve brings unforgettable spirit to every performance.
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