Kevin Cline’s introduction to music began in 1967, when he started taking organ lessons in 2nd grade. Even at this young age, Cline knew he wanted to be a musician. In 5th grade he joined the school band and began learning the trombone. A couple years later he starting studying the guitar as well, but that was short-lived. In 8th grade, Cline decided to switch from the organ to the piano, mostly because of his interest in jazz and rock-n-roll, but trombone would take over as he entered his busy high school years.

Cline attended Brother Rice High School from 1974-1978 and was very active in all the bands there as trombone became his primary instrument. In his sophomore year, he joined a big band called Big Band Machine led by Rich Daniels, also a Brother Rice alumnus. That experience was monumental as Cline was able to professionally perform live music at a very young age, as well as get an early start on learning jazz repertoire and improvisational skills.

Cline attended Brother Rice High School from 1974-1978 and was very active in all the bands there as trombone became his primary instrument. In his sophomore year, he joined a big band called Big Band Machine led by Rich Daniels, also a Brother Rice alumnus. That experience was monumental as Cline was able to professionally perform live music at a very young age, as well as get an early start on learning jazz repertoire and improvisational skills.

Although Cline worked a fair amount, he became frustrated with the music scene, since work was inconsistent, and performing was either about the money or the music, but rarely both simultaneously. So through his frustration he began soul searching and decided to jump back into the piano. Of course he kept the trombone going and still performs on the instrument, but diving into the piano seemed to give him the freshness he was looking for. So in the late 90’s, Cline started studying piano with Peter Polzak, a jazz piano player and teacher in Chicago. He studied with Polzak for 3 to 4 years, and his deeper understanding of music harmony catapulted him into a whole no realm of playing, improvisation, and a newfound desire to compose. Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett recordings became his biggest jazz piano influences during that period. Cline’s writing over the years has led him to his debut album: Make Up Your Mind.

To this day Kevin Cline’s versatility on piano and trombone keep him in high demand. In 2004, his jazz trio had the opportunity to tour Greece, Turkey, and the east coast of Africa on “The World” luxury condominium cruise ship. He currently performs on solo piano and with his jazz duo and trio at various venues around Chicagoland. He also freelances on trombone and performs regularly with The Blooze Brothers, a local rhythm and blues band. In addition to performing Cline teaches piano students and composes and arranges music.

Pianist/trombonist Kevin Cline usually keeps a low profile, so much so that even his neighbors on Chicago’s northwest side probably don’t realize the depth of his talent. He’s been a strong, if understated, presence in a myriad of bands for more than 30 years, but is just now releasing his debut. This disc, Make Up Your Mind, promises that Cline won’t be a secret for much longer.