“Hand Made” by Passport is a captivating exploration into the realms of jazz fusion, interwoven with electronic flair and sumptuous saxophone melodies. Released in 1973, the album exhibits the brilliance of Klaus Doldinger on saxophone, with support from other talented musicians like Wolfgang Schmid on bass and Curt Cress on drums, who contribute to its intricate rhythmic foundation. This release is noted for its seamless blending of traditional jazz with modern electronic elements, which helped propel Passport to the forefront of the jazz fusion scene. While details on the album cover design for “Hand Made” are limited, the music itself stands as a testament to Passport’s innovative approach and their lasting impact on the fusion genre. Music enthusiasts often praise the album for its adventurous and progressive soundscapes, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Featured Album
Gong – Expresso!
Gazeuse! was the first in a successful line of strictly jazz-rock sessions for percussionist Pierre Moerlen and company — compositions that stressed jazz more than rock and which generally strayed away from lyrical content. This 1976 recording, also released under the title Expresso, was the band's first completely instrumental album, a companion piece to the later, somewhat warmer Expresso II, which is quite similar in sound and structure. To say Gazeuse! is percussive is an understatement. Drummer Moerlen is accompanied by brother Benoit and Mirielle Bauer on vibraphones with Mino Cinelu playing other assorted percussion. "Percolations" is a showcase for this foursome: Part one, a display of beautiful vibes and xylophones; part two, a technically superb drum solo. Pierre's playing is fierce in this second part, exhibited by some truly volatile drumming near the close. Allan Holdsworth is the sole guitarist on the album and contributes two of his own compositions. His "Night Illusion" is a standout and reminiscent of Bill Bruford's Feels Good to Me on which Holdsworth collaborated around the same time. Longtime Gong member Didier Malherbe adds spice to the proceedings with jazzy flute on "Shadows Of" and prominent sax on the slightly funky "Esnuria." ~ David