Members
Select a Passport band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Passport is a pioneering jazz fusion group founded by German saxophonist Klaus Doldinger in 1970. Known for their dynamic blend of jazz, rock, and funk, Passport has seen a rotating lineup over the decades, consistently driven by Doldinger's vision. The group's early formation included talents like Olaf Kübler (saxophone, flute), Jimmy Jackson (organ, keyboards), Lothar Meid (bass), and Udo Lindenberg (drums). By the mid-'70s, the lineup featured Kristian Schultze (keyboards), Wolfgang Schmid (bass), and Curt Cress (drums), contributing to the band's evolving sound. Despite frequent personnel changes, Doldinger's leadership has maintained a cohesive musical direction, ensuring Passport remains a significant force in the jazz fusion and Krautrock scenes.
How to Sound Like Passport
Passport's sound is characterized by vibrant, rhythmic grooves and complex, melodic improvisations. Their music blends tight, funky bass lines with jazzy saxophone riffs, creating a sound that is both energetic and sophisticated. To achieve their distinctive fusion, Passport often utilized rich, analog synth textures and electric piano tones. The Yamaha CS-80 and Fender Rhodes were pivotal in crafting their lush, layered soundscapes, while the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 added a modern edge to their arrangements. These elements, combined with dynamic drumming and Doldinger's expressive saxophone, create an immersive listening experience that is both melodic and rhythmically engaging.
Discography
Second Passport
1972
Passport
1972
Hand Made
1973
Looking Thru
1973
Cross Collateral
1975
Doldinger Jubilee II
1975
Infinity Machine
1976
Ataraxia
1977
Iguacu
1977
Garden Of Eden
1979
Ocean Liner
1979
Blue Tattoo
1981
Earthborn
1982
Man In the Mirror
1983
Running In Real Time
1985
Heavy Nights
1986
Talk Back
1988
Balance Of Happiness
1990
Lifelike
1990
Blues Roots (feat. Johnny Copeland)
1991
Down To Earth
1993
The Passport Anthology
1995
Passport To Paradise
1996
Move
1998
Passport Live
2000
Get the Passport Sound
Want to sound like Passport? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
