Launched in 2005 by Irish singer Lorraine Reilly and Bristolian pianist Jeremy Millington, The Portraits’ warm upbeat sound which mixes folk with music theatre, jazz and classical styles has secured the band a big following in the UK and France. As well as being crowned Best International Artist 2011 by US station Radio Crystal Blue, The Portraits released a song, Liberty, for Burma’s democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, which was presented to her in person.

Their hotly awaited new album Counterbalance was released on CD and download formats on 5th November 2012, and launched at an exclusive concert at The Forge, Camden on 27th September. The release follows an intense year of music-making by the band, taking in performances at 2011’s Glastonbury Festival and the writing and releasing of a brand new song every Friday throughout 2012 based on ideas sent in by fans.

From their roots playing as an acoustic duo (piano, guitar, 2 voices) the Portraits have exploded into an energetic, sparkling full band, adding violin, cello, bodhran, upright bass and third vocalist into the mix, and their live performances leave audiences moved to laughter and tears in equal measure.