Portrait in Jazz

Portrait in Jazz was Evans's fifth album as leader and the first of two studio records with LaFaro and Motian. It was released in mono and stereo editions, each with a different take of Autumn Leaves. Jack Higgins engineered it. The trio promoted LaFaro's bass from an accompanying instrument to one of almost equal status with the piano.

Someday My Prince Will Come had been used as a jazz vehicle two years before by Dave Brubeck and stayed in Evans's repertoire to the end of his career. Peri's Scope was named for his girlfriend Peri Cousins, who said the recording made her feel immortal. The closing Blue in Green was credited to Davis and Evans, and Evans said it was his tune even though Davis was credited on Kind of Blue.

Scott Yanow called the album a gem at AllMusic. Danny Eccleston of Mojo wrote that at its least great it is merely brilliant. Shadwick said it set the blueprint for every subsequent working trio Evans would run. A 2008 remaster added alternate takes.