Passport-Infinity Machine (1976)

In the mid-seventies, the German band led by saxophonist Klaus Doldinger was at its creative peak, having already left behind a series of prestigious jazz-rock/fusion albums such as "Second Passport", "Hand Made", "Looking Thuru", and "Cross Collateral", all brimming with catchy sounds that fused funk, R&B, rock, and progressive jazz. In 1976, they released their sixth album, "Infinity Machine", in which the German group comprised of Doldinger (saxophone, keyboards, and vocals), Curt Cress (drums), Wolfgang (bass, guitar, and harmonica), and Kristian Schulze (keyboards) created another fantastic record of the best avant-garde jazz. Tracks brimming with funk vibes, like "Ju-Ju-Man", alternate with ambient atmospheres in "Contemplation", energetic fusion pieces in "Morning Sun", refined romantic compositions in "Blue Aurora", space-fusion-oriented tracks in "Infinity Machine", and avant-garde sonic experiments in "Ostinato". For many, this album marked the end of the band's most progressive era, ushering in a more conventional period with a jazz sound geared towards mainstream appeal.