Looking Thru

Looking Thru

ASIN: B00005RZX4

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Wounded Bird Records presents the next in a series of CD reissues by the German jazz-fusion group Passport. More than a progressive rock band, but a solid jazz-fusion instrumental unit with excellent experimentation, improvisation and playing; Space-rock meets Miles-era 'In A Silent Way', atmospheric, unusually funky and great ear-candy; A solid 8 song set is represented here which includes 'Eternal Spiral', the title track, 'Zwischenspiel', 'Rockport', 'Tarantula', 'Ready For Take Off', 'Eloquence' and 'Things To Come'; With bassist/guitarist Wolfgang Schmid, drummer Curt Cress, keyboardist Kristian Schultze and saxophonist/keyboardist Klaus Doldinger. Looking Thru was originally issued in 1974.

Tracks:

Eternal Spiral
Looking Thru
Zwischenspiel
Rockport
Tarantula
Ready For Take Off
Eloquence
Things To Come

Album Description

Wounded Bird Records presents the next in a series of CD reissues by the German jazz-fusion group Passport. More than a progressive rock band, but a solid jazz-fusion instrumental unit with excellent experimentation, improvisation and playing; Space-rock meets Miles-era 'In A Silent Way', atmospheric, unusually funky and great ear-candy; A solid 8 song set is represented here which includes 'Eternal Spiral', the title track, 'Zwischenspiel', 'Rockport', 'Tarantula', 'Ready For Take Off', 'Eloquence' and 'Things To Come'; With bassist/guitarist Wolfgang Schmid, drummer Curt Cress, keyboardist Kristian Schultze and saxophonist/keyboardist Klaus Doldinger. Looking Thru was originally issued in 1974.

Customer Reviews:

Another great album of proggy jazz rock.......2006-11-14

Just like the follow-up Cross-Collateral (1975), this 1974 release of proggy jazz-rock was produced by Deiter Dierks, who was working with a number of German experimental rock groups at the time. Interestingly, little hints of the synth heavy nature of the experimental groups Deiter worked with, e.g. Cosmic Jokers peek through here and there, but not too much though. Overall, this is a killer slab of proggy jazz rock through and through.

The musicians on this album include bandleader Klaus Doldinger (tenor and soprano saxes; mini-moog synthesizer; electric piano; and mellotron); incredible drummer Curt Cress; Wolfgang Schmid (Fender and Rickenbacker basses; acoustic guitar on Zwischenspeil); and Kristian Schulze (Fender electric piano and Hammond organ).

The eight pieces on this instrumental album range in length from 1'31" to 7'58" and run the gamut from the synth heavy and proggy closing track Things to Come, to the more rocking and heavy tune Rockport. There is also a little funkiness too (Tarantula) and a really nice piece that features just the acoustic piano and acoustic guitar (Zwischenspeil) - the title track also features delicate passages. Eloquence is the jazziest tune on the album. The rest of the tracks are excellent examples of proggy jazz rock with loads of great riffs and synth work. Speaking of synths, the choice of instrumentation also lends the music a proggy feel, including the mini-moog and most notably the mellotron. As a mellotron fan, I was especially pleased to hear this instrument with the string setting on a number of pieces, e.g. Eternal Spiral. The use of synthesizers is actually fairly heavy and the distinctive tones of the mini-moog can be heard throughout. Of course, although I am raving about the mini-moog and mellotron, instruments traditionally associated with jazz rock, e.g. saxes and electric piano, etc. are used too.

In a nutshell, the performances by all of the musicians are superb, especially those by drummer Curt Cress. The pieces are all well put together, develop nicely, and are diverse with respect to dynamics and timbre. This album is highly recommended along with the 1975 follow up Cross Collateral. In fact, I would urge prog heads who don't mind jazz rock to check this album out - it has enough of a proggy feel to it that it should be very enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

DOLDINGER IS THE GREATEST!
This album was their most popular US release
Very textural, nice, relaxing...
Best live show I've ever seen
Fabulous CD from one of Germany's top progressive Jazz group

Looking Thru
Passport
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

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Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Cross-Collateral
Infinity Machine
Sky Blue
Iguacu
Man in the Mirror

ASIN: B0000072TF
Release Date: 1994-02-21

Tracks:

Eternal Spiral
Looking Thru
Zwischenspiel
Rockport
Tarantula
Ready for Take Off
Eloquence
Things to Come

Customer Reviews:

DOLDINGER IS THE GREATEST!.......2003-07-15

This album and the follow-up, Cross-Collateral are two of the greatest fusion albums I have ever heard. These albums feature the artistry of Wolfgang Schmid (Paradox) on bass, Kristian Schultze (Cusco) on Fender Piano & Organ, the fabulous Curt Cress on Percussion and the greatest Sax player I have ever heard, Klaus Doldinger, who is well known all over the world for his various accomplishments over many decades. Passport's sound is truly unique!

This album was their most popular US release.......1999-07-24

I saw them live in D.C. back in '77 and the thing that most impressed me was Curt Cress on drums.I haven't heard a better drummer since.I like just about all of Passport's releases but this is my favorite.

Very textural, nice, relaxing..........1999-04-06

Passport is one of my favorite jazz groups and has been ever since I was introduced to their music with "Garden of Eden." The synthesized choir voices are what got me, as well as Klaus' excellent saxophone playing and ability to create memorable and original melody lines. Would love to have every album they every made, as well as those of Gino Vannelli (Crazy Life), but unfortunately some of them are not available. Passport, you are wonderful!

Best live show I've ever seen.......1998-12-28

Back in 1977, I saw Passport at the Ruby Gulch in Champaign, IL (Univ. of Illinois). Of over 300 live shows I've attended, this was the most exciting, incredible of all. Passport played much of Looking Thru as well as Cross Collateral. Wish I could re-live the night!

Fabulous CD from one of Germany's top progressive Jazz group.......1998-09-11

This CD is a must for those into progressive jazz. The tight mix of instruments and passages will be appreciated by musicians and listeners alike. Blazing Sax, great drums, and a bassist that plays on a fret-less bass like a lead guitarist. This CD has been out-of-print since the album (remember vinyl?) was released way back in the early 70's. I gotta have it !

Average customer rating:

Thru the Looking Glass

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000AY0NLC
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Average customer rating:

Looking Thru
Passport
Manufacturer: Atco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000FZDOEE
Release Date: 2006-08-07

Tracks:

Eternal Spiral
Looking Thru
Zwischenspiel
Rockport
Tarantula
Ready for Take Off
Eloquence
Things to Come

Album Description

Exclusive Japanese Limited Edition reissue of this 1974 album packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. 2006.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music