A classic
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 08/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of the most beautiful ballads I've ever heard are on this CD...lushly orchestrated and sung to perfection.It's hard to believe that Scott was only 22 when this was recorded, there's so much depth and emotional maturity in his voice. "Where's the Girl", "Old Folks", and "The Gentle Rain" are extraordinary.John's high and slightly gritty voice is great, and his interpretations of "Just for a Thrill" and "Come Rain or Come Shine" are terrific...of the duets (and their voices are a nifty blend), "Summertime" is heavenly...it's the best version I've ever heard of this popular Gershwin tune, with a jazzy sax solo adding to the superb arrangement.With the exception of 2 bonus tracks (2 single "B" sides, "My Love is Growing" and "Saddest Night in the World"), which are a little weak, this is a gorgeous CD...and after 35 years, shines as brightly as ever."
Starry eyed and laughing
R. T. Shepherd | Chas, South Carolina USA | 04/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Sixties were hesitation marks on the West's wrist, and yet some of the music was fascinating if only for its contrarian bent. Case in point: Portrait. If you ever wanted to hear mid-period Sinatra with a fine second vocalist and a misbegotten musical thrust at the hippie audience, this is it. Scott Walker's "Old Folks" and John Walker's "Just for a Thrill" are worth the price of admission. Why these two grand crooners are not making best selling records today I simply don't understand, but again we are talking about the Sixties."