Best Bets:  Jr. Cline and the Recliners...

"Jr. Cline and the Recliners, whose rocking blues-soul has been satisfying area crowds for over 30 years, are playing Rams Head On Stage…  With Daryl “Junior” Cline up front and a solid horn section, the band has laid down that sweet soul music from Key West to Manhattan and most places in between over the years…  Of late Cline has folded in some of the music from his roots in West Virginia to the Memphis soul to fill the dance floor…  Rhythm and blues songstress Julia Nixon will be a special guest."

E.B. "Pat" Furgurson III
Capital Gazette

“Where Jr. Cline and the Recliners are playing, there will be people dancing.  They will leave the dance floor the way one gets out of a whitewater kayak that has completed its run – soaked and exhilarated.  …it is the singing of Daryl Junior Cline that puts the band over the top.  He not only has the pipes, he has the soul and the ear; he feels and understands what he is singing, and he puts that across to the audience.” 

Bill Hooper  
Baltimore Scene Magazine

“First thing to know about Daryl Jr. Cline is he has a heart as big as his native West Virginia, and is always the first guy to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.  A true heavyweight in the business, Jr. Cline has opened for Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, Muddy Waters, Archie Bell and Steppenwolf.  With the Recliners, he’s recorded five CDs and played at the White House for Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

Kevin Cowherd
Baltimore Sun

“…soul revivalists Jr. Cline and the Recliners are...a well-oiled soul machine.  Cline’s rhythm section knocked out a flawless Memphis backbeat, while the horns answered Cline’s vocals in perfect counterpoint.”

Joe Sasy
The Washington Post 

 “Several Washington-area groups have many years behind them, but few with as many miles and road dates as…Junior Cline and the Recliners.  Like any motivated group…they’ve been hugely successful playing their mix of Motown, rock and blue-eyed soul… The Recliners, who have opened up for just about every soul and Motown act to come through town, are in demand…”

Sean Piccoli
The Washington Times

“Cline…forces us to respect his own distinctive takes on (cover) songs with vocals that are so robust and relaxed that they create satisfying variations.  Rather than imitating the originals, he simply sings from the heart and uses a full-bodied horn section as the answering choir to his preaching.  Junior Cline is a diminutive vocalist with the gravelly, convincing voice of a Levon Helm.  Cline’s octet is marked by unusual rapport and discipline…  It’s the kind of big voice that allows the singer to hold a little back without starving the song.  The part that’s held back enables the singer to imply more than what’s said.  Cline can seduce the listener with a delivery that’s Sam Cooke smooth, but when he needs to, he can get Wilson Pickett gritty.” 

Geoffrey Himes 
The Washington Post 

“Like another diminutive white soul belter, Van Morrison, Junior’s size is an arresting contrast to the brawny sounds that come out of him.  But unlike Morrison…Junior’s style is full of southern charm. His ‘no sweat’ approach to his music is parceled out in the language of a low-key country gentleman.”

Wayne Cresser
Unicorn Times

 

“To hear Cline sing…is to hear a great soul voice – gritty, impassioned and totally convincing.  Cline’s material at its best encompasses light reggae, a moody narrative ballad and loose-limbed rhythm and blues; all point to Cline’s promise as a songwriter.”

Mike Joyce
The Washington Post

“…his debut album, Junior Cline & the Recliners...highlights Cline’s own compositions:  the bubbly pop enthusiasm of ‘Rainy Day Matinee,’ the beach-party feel of ‘What Was That Feeling?’ or the Stax soul shout of ‘Falling Fools’.  There’s a stoic calm in his resonant voice as…guitar or…horns turn each jingly melody into a rhythmic riff.  When Cline pleads with a friend to understand that ‘The Girl’s Trying To Please,’ he manages to sound knowing and desperate all at once.  When he laments forlornly that ‘Young Girls (Fall in Love Too Soon),’ his sing-along vocal balances sadness with an acceptance of the ways of the world.”

Geoffrey Himes 
The Washington Post 

“Jr. Cline and the Recliners opened for Tina (Turner) with a short sweet set of Memphis Soul presented with the respect of well-schooled archivists.”

Robert Hinton
City Paper

“Jr. Cline and The Recliners live in the present, fresh and powerful – the emotional intensity of the deepest blues, coupled with a totally upbeat, good-time sound.  Jr. shows an easygoing mastery on stage…"

Maryland Musician Magazine

Daryl Jr. Cline and his band, The Recliners, have been making wonderful, soulful music for decades.  A great blend of soul, blues and R&B with a rockin' edge, they remain great after all these years.  Daryl is a friend and a favorite of mine, a soulful singer/songwriter that leads The Recliners with a heartfelt joy that you can't miss when you hear or see them. If you get the chance, don't miss it.  You'll love them.  I always have.

Peace and Believe,
Nils Lofgren

The Recliners and I go all the way back to the mid 80’s where I first listened to Daryl and his band...and knew then he was the band to follow.  His soulful voice and mix of songs...keep you coming back... Through the years he has surrounded himself with the best musicians in the DC/Baltimore area...  I have had (them) play at many party’s through the years and they have always been one hundred percent rocking.  To this day, Jr. and The Recliners are my first choice in bands...  

If you are looking for a band for that special occasion don’t hesitate to give The Recliners the opportunity to make it the best.  From my heart I still think Daryl sings Van Morrison’s songs just as good or better than Van does the way he pours the lyrics out.  Thanks for all the good times through the years.

Your favorite fans,
Susan and Craig Clark 

Daryl Jr. Cline is a performer & writer of songs that are immediately iconic, accessible and unique.  Jr. Cline and The Recliners have been the soundtrack of the DC area for three decades.  A music survivor with tales of hard won redemption in his songs.

Jay Keating
Songwriters' Association of Washington

Like so many, I am unreserved in my endorsement of Daryl Jr. Cline, whether fronting the Recliners or his trio!  I have been a fan of Jr. Cline and the Recliners for more than 25 years. 

When I found myself in a position...to book a band for our annual Alumni Reunion, I jumped at the opportunity to bring Daryl and his gang to Father Martin’s.  The results were tremendous: everyone raved.  We’ve now had them join us for the last five years... 

Daryl is an amazing combination of talent, professionalism and heart.  He delivers…every time!

Kevin Hourigan
Ashley Addiction Treatment ((formerly Father Martin's Ashley

I wanted to thank you and the band again, for helping to make my July 5th party so special and amazing.  We all had so much fun dancing to your great music and could have kept dancing all night!!   I had tons of people tell me how talented and awesome you guys are and how much they enjoyed the band...  You guys always give a great performance, but not surprised, as we have had the band play at my personal party's in the past.  You and the band always are professional and sound great!  ...We really appreciate all the hard work and energy that you and the band put into making the night so Awesome!

Todd Harper, Owner 
Turkey Point Marina & Yacht Club

I have had the fortune of knowing and hiring Daryl Jr. Cline and his band since 1985.  Since that time, Daryl and I have formed an honest friendship based off his professional approach and talents for delivering an outstanding performance.  Jr. Cline and the Recliners have played at several of my events alone and each time their performance help cement my legacy alone as a quality promoter and entertainer.

To this day, I am most comfortable recommending Daryl and his band to play at any function.  ...I have acted as his agent on several appearances, and all our clients have requested his return.  ...those appearances include the Horseshoe Casino, Maryland Live, CB Charities, Governor O’Malley’s St Patrick Day Party and the Scaregrounds Halloween Party. 

If Jr. Cline and the Recliners are playing, you better be ready for a great time!!

Brian O’Shea, Founder 
O’Shea Media Group 

I have been following Junior Cline and the Recliners for almost 25 years.  Junior is an incredible musician, covering numerous artists ranging from Rock to Soul to Jazz to Country.  A gifted songwriter as well, his "Give them Wings" tribute to a former Recliner who passed away became forever linked to the victims of 9/11.  His voice has that tone which puts the blue-eyed soul into so many of his songs, especially the Van Morrison songs.  His music has the crowd up and dancing with the very first song.

Doug Winkler, President
Winkler Pool Management, Inc.

...I hired him to play at one of my first establishments and I saw that the audience loved him! ...They love the rocking rhythm and blues sound and the brass along with it, playing songs they know and love. It energizes them and everyone seems to come alive...  I really like that I see an increase in the number of guests and sales...when he’s booked.  I’d recommend him to anyone looking for great music...  You GO, Jr. Cline!

Bud Craven
Lee's Landing

Washington Area Music Association   

  • Best Male Vocalist – Jr. Cline   
  • Best Artist/Group – Jr. Cline & The Recliners   
  • Best Recording – Jr. Cline & The Recliners   

Baltimore Magazine   

  • Best R&B Band – Jr. Cline & The Recliners