Klaus Doldinger is a highly acclaimed and accomplished German musician, distinguished for his exceptional skill as a saxophonist, his remarkable talent as a composer, and his impressive expertise as a film scorer.
May 12, 1936, marked the birth of Doldinger, a name that would soon become synonymous with exceptional musical talent. As a young individual, Doldinger's innate passion for music led him to embark on a journey that would span a lifetime. In 1947, he enrolled at the prestigious Düsseldorf conservatory, where he began to hone his skills in piano and later, clarinet. Following a decade of rigorous study, Doldinger graduated in 1957, his education and experience providing a solid foundation for a successful career.
Throughout his formative years, Doldinger gained invaluable professional experience by performing with various bands, including the esteemed German Dixieland band, The Feetwarmers. In 1955, he had the opportunity to record with this talented group, further cementing his reputation as a skilled musician.
Throughout the 1960s, Klaus Doldinger embarked on a notable musical journey, honing his skills as a tenor saxophonist by collaborating with a variety of esteemed American jazz musicians, ultimately leading to the release of his own distinctive recordings.
However, it was his extraordinary work in composing film scores that would ultimately cement his lasting legacy, with two of his most renowned and enduring creations being the iconic soundtracks for "Das Boot" in 1981 and "The NeverEnding Story" in 1984.
Doldinger's personal life has been marked by a long-standing and enduring union with his wife, Inge Beck, whom he has had the pleasure of being married to since 1960. This union has been blessed with the arrival of three delightful children, Viola, Melanie, and Nicolas, each of whom has brought immense joy and fulfillment to their family. The Doldinger family has called the picturesque Bavarian village of Icking, situated just south of the charming city of Munich, their home since 1968, where they have no doubt enjoyed a rich and rewarding life surrounded by the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of their adopted community.
Klaus Doldinger's esteemed jazz project, Passport, has been a persistent and enduring creative endeavour since its inception in 1971. Initially introduced as "Klaus Doldinger's Passport," the collective has undergone numerous transformations, boasting an impressive roster of talented musicians throughout its storied history. Notable contributors to the band's evolution include the virtuosic Peter O'Mara, the inimitable Roberto DiGioia, the skilled Patrick Scales, the accomplished Ernst Stroer, the gifted Christian Lettner, the innovative Michael Hornek, and the exceptional Biboul Darouiche, among others. Furthermore, esteemed guest artists have lent their talents to Passport's illustrious discography, including the illustrious Brian Auger, the legendary Johnny Griffin, and the renowned Pete York.
As the inaugural release from the esteemed Passport ensemble, this inaugural album, deeply intertwined with the influential Amon Düül II, holds a revered position within the annals of Krautrock's storied past, its significance and importance remaining unwavering to this day.
