CROSS-COLLATERAL

The core members are now all in place for this, Klaus' fifth album of Jazz-Rock Fusion using the "Passport" moniker.

1. "Homunculus" (6:09) despite the solid bass play holding this one all together, there is a loose, free-jazz feel to the rest of the performances--and some weird effects being imposed upon the overall sound. Still, the skill levels of all of the individuals are fully on display and still impressive. (8.875/10)

2. "Cross-collateral" (13:38) now three songs in--and this one a long one (of epic length) I can only deduce that band leader Klaus Doldinger (and/or his collaborators) was either spread too thin (very busy) or out of fresh ideas because the music on this album so far has been quite lackluster: lacking both the creativity and complexity that the previous album had overflowing to the brim. The lack of inspired or fully-formed compositional ideas are effecting the energy and interest levels of the rest of the band, resulting in lackadaisical performances--which is sad cuz we know these guys can play! There is absolutely nothing in this song, anywhere, that would ever lead me to want to return to it for repeated listens! It's just a first-take free-for-all from the band's first practice session. Plus, where is Klaus? Where are the saxes? (25/30)

3. "Jadoo" (3:03) something with a more structure but no really interesting quirky ideas or great melodies. (At least the saxes are back--though some are a little-too-heavily-processed.) The drumming is the best element of this one. (8.75/10)

4. "Will-O'the-Wisp" (6:15) even trying to go back to some funk doesn't work: it's just too rudimentary; there's nothing new/fresh or creative here, just by-the-numbers playing. The sound palette is right, just totally uninspired performances. (8.75/10)

5. "Albatros song" (5:18) a one-minute all-keyboard intro leads into some light textural music full of synth strings and, eventually, Klaus's singular saxophone putting forth something that sounds very much like the smooth jazz coming out of the BOB JAMES production labs. (8.6667/10)

6. "Damals" (4:38) acoustic guitar and sparse (keyboard) bass and drum play supporting a plaintive (single) sax solo by Klaus. Nice but clearly representing the new Smooth Jazz form of expression. (8.75/10)

Total Time: 39:01

C+/three stars; a fair representation of the direction Jazz-Rock Fusion was moving by the end of 1975.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to BrufordFreak
• Report this review (#3171973)
• Buy PASSPORT music online with PA partners
• Show all PASSPORT MP3/Stream
• Go to PASSPORT page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Cross-Collateral page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for PASSPORT related discussions