Last Show: Friday 15 th June 2018
Newcastle Neo-soul, jazz and hiphop. Portraits offer their contribution to the UK music scene through improvisation, lyricism, arrangement and a strong focus on moving their music forward into unexplored territory.
Portraits’ contribution to the UK music scene is not easily identified in terms of genre. ‘Jazz’ seems the most fitting to describe the harmony and improvisations, the use of the sax and upright bass support this assessment although you won’t hear the band play a medium swing Stella by Starlight. The heavy ‘LA jazz scene’ informed drum grooves subvert ideas of a faithful homage to the greats. the focus is on offering their own experiences and interpretations, expressing their own voices through improvisation. The band explores storytelling through arrangement and lyricism, aiming for an honest account of the modern experience.