The first time I got to know Gwen Guthrie was back in 1982 with the amazing "It should have been you" that is one of the classics out there. But it was much later, in the late 90s, I really got to know her music when I bought her 1985 album "Just for you" and 1986 album "Good to go lover", both including a decent amount of memorable grooves. More recently I got the opportunity to listen to "Portrait", her second release from 1983. Let's have a look on that one. The albm that was re-issued on CD in 2008 includes except the eight original tracks three exclusive bonus mixes wrapped in the classy package of PTG records.In my mind this perhaps isn't the best album by Guthrie but it still contains plenty of both soulful and funky grooves. Almost all of the more up tempo tracks got a quirky funky groove similar to each other with highlights like the complete a slightly sleepy (in a good sense) "Seventh heaven", refreshing "Family affair" and bumpy "Hopscotch" but you'll also find a more dance oriented tune in the cheerful "Padlock". The ballads are OK but don't give my goose bumps. But the final three(!) bonus mixes however is a very nice addition not to be forgotten.
Although the album got both ups and downs it deserves a place at your home, especially with the three great extra mixes by Larry Levan. Together with the fact that the vinyl is finally released on CD you got all the reasons to check it out!
Patrik Andersson
Patriks Soul Funk Special
