SECOND PASSPORT

Klaus Doldinger's band would officially be named Passport after the first great album, but the line-up for the second upcoming release would totally change.Doldinger recruited Americans John Mealing and Bryan Spring on keyboards/piano and drums respectively, while the bass and guitars were responsibilities of Wolfgang Schmid.Another product for Atlantic, ''Second passport'' would see the light in 1972.

All titles are composed by Doldinger and this is another almost perfect example of dynamic, rich and powerful Jazz/Fusion with a sound somerwhat split between the British scene and the Kraut aesthetics.From the great GENTLE GIANT-like opening tunes of ''Mandragora'' to the loose jamming of ''Nexus'' and the restless sax breathing of Doldinger, the album makes it clear already from its starting point that this is an excellent work of deep inspiration.''Fairy Tale'' offers back this unique Space/Jazz approach of Passport, already listened on their debut, with the beautiful combination of electric piano, hypnotic rhythms and melodic saxes.The later tracks are also magnificent, having a sound balanced between Brass-like Rock, Canterbury Fusion and Kraut-Jazz.Ultra deep and powerful bass lines, great organ parts, jazzy guitar solos, light electric pianos and of course Doldinger's sax interventions, the tracks scan the path from tightly structured passages to fully improvised solos and interplays in a very succesful way, that sounds no less than highly entertaining and extremely professional.

Another highlight in Doldinger's long discography.''Second Passport'' is one of these albums that can make even someone who dislikes Jazz listen to it several times.Highly recommended, definitely an album of All-Star level regarding the Jazz/Fusion stylings.