SECOND PASSPORT

Whilst the debut Passport album was on what was then the cutting edge of fusion, the second release the band stepped back a bit into more comfortable jazz territory. This isn't to say this is a pure jazz album - in particular, opener Mandragora incorporates a powerful funk bassline - but it does err towards the jazz side of the jazz-rock spectrum. Standout performer here is Klaus Doldinger himself, whose saxophone synthesiser contributions dominate the band's sound. It's a shame the band chose to play it safe here rather than attempting to continue the more daring approach of their debut, but this is still a pleasant listen which will offer fans of Weather Report or Return to Forever much that is of interest.