Passport

Passport is the primary vehicle for German saxophonist and composer Klaus Doldinger, emerging in 1971 as a pivotal force in the European jazz fusion movement. While often compared to Weather Report due to their sophisticated use of synthesizers and global rhythmic influences, Passport carved out a distinct identity through a more structured, rock-oriented approach.

Doldinger, already a respected film composer (later famous for 'Das Boot' and 'The NeverEnding Story'), brought a cinematic sensibility to the group, emphasizing evocative melodies and atmospheric textures. The 'classic' lineup featuring Curt Cress and Kristian Schultze is revered for its technical precision and the pioneering use of the Moog synthesizer in a jazz context. Historically, Passport served as a bridge between the experimentalism of Krautrock and the technical proficiency of international fusion, maintaining a prolific output that evolved from raw jazz-rock into more polished, world-music-influenced territories by the late 1970s. They remain a cornerstone for collectors of 70s instrumental music and a key influence on the 'cosmic jazz' revival.