Klaus Doldinger, best-known for leading the excellent fusion group Passport in the 1970s and ’80s, has had a diverse and episodic career. He started out studying piano in 1947 and clarinet five years later, playing in Dixieland bands in the 1950s. By 1961, he had become a modern tenor saxophonist, working with such top visiting and expatriate Americans as Don Ellis, Johnny Griffin, Benny Bailey, Idrees Sulieman, Donald Byrd, and Kenny Clarke, recording as a leader for Philips, World Pacific, and Liberty. However, in 1970, he initiated a long series of fusion-oriented sessions for Atlantic that featured his tenor, soprano, flute, and occasional keyboards with an electric rhythm section. In addition to writing music for films (including Das Boot) and television in Europe, Doldinger has remained active as a player who occasionally explores his roots in hard bop into the late ’90s, but because he has always lived in Europe, he remains underrated in the U.S. (by Scott Yanow)
Klaus Doldinger as Paul Nero:
During the 60s Klaus Doldinger also played under the pseudonym “Paul Nero”. Under these names he released 12 albums, which can be categorised as “Esay Listening” music.
Here is his 12th and last album under this pseudonym.
The Simon & Garunkel hit “El Condor Pasa” was a natural fit, because here Doldinger’s musical journey takes us to South America and Santana were also the godfathers of these recordings with their sound.
And Klaus Doldinger wouldn’t be Klaus Doldinger if he didn’t put in a masterly effort on this production (which of course was aimed at the more commercial record market).
At times superb jazz with South American elements and, of course, above all rhythms.
But he also stole quite brazenly. For in “Guachi Guaro”, the Jack Bruce/Eric Clapton riff from “Sunshine Of Your Love” is heard quite extensively.
Well, he just quoted ….
Personnel:
Charles Campbell (percussion)
Klaus „Paul Nero“ Doldinger (saxophone, keyboards)
Dusko Goykovich (trumpet)
Tony Inzalaco (drums)
Olaf Kübler (flute)
Lothar Meid (bass)
Siegfried Schwab (guitar)
Claudio Szenka (percussion)
Tracklist:
01. 01. Cuica (Nero) 2.29
02. El Condor Pasa (Traditional) 2.41
03.Mas Que Nada (Deane/Nero) 2.23
04. Guantanamera (Traditional) 2.40
05. Subo (Traditional) 2.36
06. Guachi Guaro (Traditional) 4.24
07. Achachau (Traditional) 2.39
08. Malaguena (Lecuona/Nero) 4.22
09. Viva Jujuy (Traditional) 2.20
10. Mi Despedia (Traditional) 2.20
11. Guajira (Traditional) 2.16
12. Argentinia (Traditional) 2.15
The frontcover from Japan:
More from Klaus Doldinger:
Heavy Nights finds Passport founder and veteran sax man Klaus Doldinger in rare form. On this offering from 1986, the veteran sax player delves into the world of pop-jazz. Although, given his vast palette and the different settings here, it would be a mistake to simply call Heavy Nights a pop-jazz record. Doldinger’s tastes have always been eclectic and he brings his own unique jazz contributions to the table. Furthermore, he possesses that rare ability to produce jazz that is accessible without having to sacrifice substance in the process. Whatever you chose to call it, Heavy Nights is just great music. The songs here range from the playful “Bahia Praia” to the upbeat, big-band feel of “It’s Magic.” On board for this incarnation of Passport are Kevin Mulligan (guitar), Dieter Petereit (bass), Curt Cress (drums), Herman Weindorf (keyboards), and Victoria Miles (vocals). The performances of this lineup are certainly noteworthy throughout, but Heavy Nights is really a one-man show. Doldinger takes charge here performing, producing, arranging, and, composing all of the tracks. As expected, he excels in all of these areas, but it’s his ability to speak in cohesive melodic sentences that are both lyrically and emotionally satisfying, and which makes this disc so enjoyable. The melodies aren’t just good, they’re memorable. The beautiful “Forever,” as romantic a piece as you will find, is not just memorable, it actually borders on unforgettable. In addition, Doldinger’s distinct phrasing punctuates each of the tracks adding the dramatic pauses that help to distinguish Heavy Nights.
Passport was a German jazz/fusion group formed in 1971. Founded by Ace Saxeman, composer and arranger Klaus Doldinger along with Curt Cress (percussion), Kristian Schultze (keyboards), and Wolfgang Schmid (bass & guitar). This was the classic lineup that started with their 4th album “Looking Thru” in 1973, their first US release. I’m not familiar with their first 3 albums, but outside Klaus, the lineup was pretty different. This classic lineup continued through the next 5 albums. Utilizing spacey electronic jazz with rock and classical styles, this group was very groundbreaking. Klaus has a knack for coming up with some of the most beautiful saxe melodies you ever heard. Curt Cress was probably one of the first drummers to experiment with electronic drums. Bassist Wolfgang Schmid’s classical guitar adds a nice demension. And Kristian Schultze’s use of synth and mellotron gives them an expansive orchestral sound. After their 8th album, PASSPORT went through many different incarnations with only Klaus as the common denominator in all of them. In the 80’s, Klaus did other projects like motion picture soundtracks, most notably “Das Boot”. But PASSPORT still to this day records and performs (mostly in Europe, they came to the US only once) with various personnel. But it was the classic lineup that expanded their audience and gave them critical acclaim. (by progarchives)
Klaus Doldinger (born 12 May 1936) is a German saxophonist, especially well known for jazz and as a composer of film music. He was the recipient of 1997’s Bavarian Film Awards.
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