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.


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’s 2005 Jazz album, "Two Days on the Floor" was nominated for an ECMA for best Jazz recording and included some of his finest musical inspirations yet.

Steve’s newest album, "Cocktails, Heartaches and Cigars" has sprung Steve to a new level, playing alongside a big band and receiving rave reviews internationally.