New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The highly anticipated new album from the independent alternative folk band follows hot on the heels of their recent wowing of the crowds at Glastonbury, for the fourth consecutive year, and their growing army of fans and admirers will not be disappointed. 'Lions & Butterflies' is beautifully written, performed, sung and produced.
The husband and wife duo of Jeremy and Lorraine Millington, from Bristol and Galway respectively have been on a decade long journey that has seen them release 5 previous albums, hone their song-writing style and performances and arrive at this juncture with what many believe, including themselves, to be their masterpiece.
"This is the strongest music I've heard from The Portraits to date. It's always gratifying when musicians you meet and like turn out to make excellent music"
- Tom Robinson 6 Music
After persuading his parents to invest in a piano for him at the age of 10, Jeremy began a lifelong relationship with the instrument. The son of a diplomat he travelled to destinations all over the world spending his childhood in various parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. The family finally settled in Bristol where Jeremy studied music to the highest level and decided to take up a career in teaching. His first posting led him to the Isle of Wight where he met Lorraine……
Lorraine grew up in rural Western Ireland and was drawn to the guitar at a very young age, teaching herself and performing traditional Irish songs at family events and pubs. She went on to study Fine Art at the University of Ulster in Belfast, during the worst of Northern Ireland's struggles when police helicopters roared overhead and taxi drivers were murdered outside her bedroom window. After completing her degree she took up her first job as a teacher.
"A wonderful band" - Lembit Opik
And so this dynamic pairing came together. Inspired by his travels throughout the world and her personal experiences of the tragedies of war they formed a partnership both in love and in music that would prove formidable. Setting up home in France they would write together in their farmhouse, planning their future and performing in the café's and parks of the region. As their reputation and crowds grew, the sudden death of Jeremy's father and the birth of their two children led the couple back across the Channel to London where they were to take the music scene by storm.
"This new album is a heartfelt musical snapshot of who we are" - Lorraine
They have amassed a loyal fan base by performing at festivals and venues across England, Ireland and France, winning new fans wherever they travel with their clever, melodic music, both memorable and personal. These songs are about real people, real situations, and real life.
2015 Tour Dates
11th July - Le Clemenceau, Mouilleron Pareds, FR
1st Aug - Cambridge Folk Festival, UK
15th Aug - Festival Jazz In Aout, La Rochelle, FR
21st Aug - Poundstock Gildhouse, UK
28th Aug - Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge, UK
29th Aug - Treefest, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, UK
30th Aug - Victorious Festival, Southsea, UK
6th Sept - Wilkestock Festival, Hertfordshire, UK
24th Sept - Cecil Sharp House, London, UK
3rd Oct - Tenterden Folk Festival, Kent, UK
www.theportraitsmusic.com
