Chicago pianist, composer, and educator Kevin Fort brings a lyrical touch, rhythmic vitality, and a deep commitment to musical conversation to his work. Rooted in the straight-ahead jazz tradition, his playing balances the energy of bebop with sensitivity to melody and a distinctive voice as a composer. Scene Newspaper has described him as “one of those rare piano players who can temper his technical brilliance in the service of the composition.”

His latest album, Chiaroscuro (JeruJazz Records, 2026), pairs Fort with guitarist Andy Brown in an intimate dialogue inspired in part by the classic recordings of Bill Evans and Jim Hall. Featuring four Fort originals alongside four standards, the album explores contrasts of light and shadow through the interplay of piano and guitar. Paris Move called it “one of the most quietly masterful piano-guitar duo recordings in recent memory,” while Chicago Jazz Magazine praised its “refreshingly intimate but stirring experience.”

Fort also leads a longstanding trio with bassist Joe Policastro and drummer Jon Deitemyer, described by All About Jazz as “one of the finest working piano trios in the business.” Across four albums—Red Gold (2014), Perspectives (2022), Twilight (2023), and Everything I Love (2025)—the group brings a shared sense of swing, spontaneity, and melodic invention to original compositions and the jazz repertoire.

A versatile collaborator, Fort has performed with artists including Bob Brookmeyer, John Clayton, James Moody, Ira Sullivan, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, John Pizzarelli, Harry Allen, and Melissa Aldana.

Fort’s connection to jazz began at home, listening to his father play alto saxophone, sitting in on the sounds of household jam sessions, and exploring the family’s collection of classic jazz recordings. He went on to earn undergraduate and master’s degrees in jazz studies at DePaul University, graduating with highest honors. His studies with Chicago pianist Larry Novak helped shape the musical values that continue to guide his playing and teaching.

Fort serves on the faculty of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and is a Yamaha Artist.