Passport-Garden Of Eden (1979)

Around the middle of 1979, the German band Passport, led by Klaus Doldinger, released their ninth studio album, "Garden of Eden". This album was preceded by several lineup changes, including the addition of guitarist Kevin Mulligan, who replaced Roy Louis. The rest of the lineup remained the same as on their previous album, "Ataraxia": Klaus Doldinger (saxophone, keyboards), Willy Ketzer (drums), Hendrik Schaper (keyboards), and Dieter Petereit (bass). Following the stylistic path of "Ataraxia", "Garden of Eden" blends light jazz fusion with jazz rock, creating a rather pleasant and sophisticated sound. Doldinger's captivating saxophone and Mulligan's infectious rhythms drive a sound that, at times, hints at the progressive jazz rock style of their early years. Tracks like the atmospheric "Big Bang", the semi-progressive "Garden Of Eden", the melodic "Snake", the jazz-funk "Gates Of Paradise", the southern jazz-gospel "Good Earth Smile" or the cheerful "Children's Dance" and "Dreamware", make up a splendid album that brings together the latest jazz trends of the late seventies, such as jazz fusion, jazz-rock and easy-listening melodic jazz.