Passport is the creation of saxophonist Klaus Doldinger, who has stated that Passport is not so much a set group but a label and a name for his many projects. Doldinger, who had started out playing Dixieland back in the 1950s, by the following decade was a modern tenor saxophonist who also worked in the studios. His mind has always remained quite open and in 1970 he formed Passport to explore the combination of advanced jazz improvising with rockish rhythms. Passport matches Doldinger’s reeds (tenor, soprano, flute, and occasional keyboards) with an electric rhythm section. The group’s first recording (1971’s Passport) also included Olaf Kübler on second tenor and flute, organist Jimmy Jackson, electric bassist Lother Meid, and drummer Udo Lindenberg.
Soon the group went through the first of many complete turnovers. The mid-’70s version usually teamed Doldinger with keyboardist Kristian Schultze, electric bassist Wolfgang Schmid, and drummer Curt Cress, and by 1978 the group had changed drastically again. However, no matter who was in the rhythm section, Klaus Doldinger’s lead voice and his band’s musical direction remained consistent through the years. Passport has released numerous albums, initially for Atlantic and subsequently via recordings and reissues for WEA and its subsidiaries and licensees, through into the 21st century, including 1996’s Passport to Paradise, 1997’s Passport Control (on Connoisseur), 1998’s Move, 2000’s Passport Live, and 2003’s Back to Brazil. (by Scott Yanow)
Here is their 4th album:
This 1973 album is another great recording from German jazz rock band Passport that fits nicely with the definitive albums released by from the band including Looking Thru (1974) and Cross Collateral (1975). As a fan of progressive rock and jazz rock I personally find their interpretation of the jazz rock style very enjoyable.
The lineup on Handmade includes bandleader Klaus Doldinger (tenor and soprano saxophones, mini-moog synthesizer, electric piano, and mellotron); Frank Roberts (Fender electric piano and Hammond organ); the great Curt Cress (drums); and Wolfgang Schmid (electric bass guitar and guitars). The album was produced by none other than Deiter Derks, who worked with a number of German experimental rock groups (e.g. Cosmic Jokers etc.).
The playing on this album is excellent and is in keeping with what you might expect from an instrumental jazz rock album: superb ensemble work and excellent soloing on saxophones, electric piano and other instruments associated with the genre.
However, there is the prog rock side of the equation too, which includes spacier sections played on the mellotron/mini-moog synthesizer, harmonies/melodies associated with European prog rock, and on occasion, some heavy riffs played in unison on several instruments. Come to think of it, there are also some fairly psychedelic/experimental sections too. I find the overall combination very appealing. The seven tracks on the album range in length from 2:39 to the lengthy title track (9:26).
This album is recommended to those folks that like their jazz rock on the proggier side. Other albums by Passport that might prove enjoyable include Looking Thru and Cross-Collateral , which present a refinement of the basic formula presented on Handmade. Other bands operating in a similar vein include Return to Forever ( Where Have I Known You Before , 1974 and Romantic Warrior , 1976). (J.Park)
Personnel:
Curt Cress (drums)
Klaus Doldinger (saxophone, piano, mellotron)
Frank Roberts (keyboards)
Wolfgang Schmid (bass, guitar)
Tracklist:
01. Abracadabra 7.23
02. The Connexion 5.38
03. Yellow Dream 4.22
04. Proclamation 2.42
05. Hand Made 9.31
06. Puzzle 4.08
07. The Quiet Man 4.37
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08, Handmade (live Doldinger Jubilee Concert 1974) 6.10
Music composed by Klaus Doldinger