Search - Passport :: Hand Made

Important Passport Album

MightyFavog | 10/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not as good as Passport's pinnacle album Cross-Collateral, but none the less excellent. Right up there with Looking Thru. Solid fusion jazz. If you like the other two I've mentioned, you'll like this."

A fine album from Passport that initiates their "classic" pe

Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 12/16/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 1973 album is another great recording from German jazz rock band Passport that fits nicely with the definitive albums released by from the band including Looking Thru (1974) and Cross Collateral (1975). As a fan of progressive rock and jazz rock I personally find their interpretation of the jazz rock style very enjoyable.



The lineup on Handmade includes bandleader Klaus Doldinger (tenor and soprano saxophones, mini-moog synthesizer, electric piano, and mellotron); Frank Roberts (Fender electric piano and Hammond organ); the great Curt Cress (drums); and Wolfgang Schmid (electric bass guitar and guitars). The album was produced by none other than Deiter Derks, who worked with a number of German experimental rock groups (e.g. Cosmic Jokers etc.).



The playing on this album is excellent and is in keeping with what you might expect from an instrumental jazz rock album: superb ensemble work and excellent soloing on saxophones, electric piano and other instruments associated with the genre. However, there is the prog rock side of the equation too, which includes spacier sections played on the mellotron/mini-moog synthesizer, harmonies/melodies associated with European prog rock, and on occasion, some heavy riffs played in unison on several instruments. Come to think of it, there are also some fairly psychedelic/experimental sections too. I find the overall combination very appealing. The seven tracks on the album range in length from 2:39 to the lengthy title track (9:26).



Although this album has not been remastered and there are only skimpy liner notes that simply feature the track listing and that of the personnel, the sound quality is great. In fact, I prefer these Warner Communications (Germany) releases over the Wounded Bird versions out there.



This album is recommended to those folks that like their jazz rock on the proggier side. Other albums by Passport that might prove enjoyable include Looking Thru and Cross-Collateral, which present a refinement of the basic formula presented on Handmade. Other bands operating in a similar vein include Return to Forever (Where Have I Known You Before, 1974 and Romantic Warrior, 1976)."

A must have..

znodog | nyc, usa | 09/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally all the Passport albums from the '70s will be available, even though I paid good money for import vinyl and cd versions of "Handmade", I had to get this new issue. There are no bonus tracks or anything to make you jump on this, but it sounds fresh on the new pressings. This is when Curt Cress joined the band adding those powerful drum grooves and fills to the more complex arrangements.This is a more progressive album then previous,but still contains some real hard rock flourishes with fuzzy guitars. Not quite as realized as "Lookin'Thru" or "Cross Collateral", but you can hear them preparing for that next stage. This was always an import so some Passport fans might not have this one so jump on it. Also First and Second Passport worth checking out(see my reviews), also the two Doldinger's Jubilee albums will be released and I highly recommend those as well.."