| Date | Label | Catalog # | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | LP |
Released in the US under the name Sky Blue
Doldinger's phrasing is unmistakable
The problem is that this description applies to only about 50% of this recording as there are many parts that do not live up to this promise.
Hendrick Schaper and Doldinger are both credited for keyboards and I can't say who is playing at any given time, but in many songs the key parts are styled consistent with Doldinger's sax styles while at other times they sound a bit like Corea and Lyle Mays.
This is not my favorite Passport
Reviewed by MJBrady on 12 Jan 2002
Passports music can almost be divided into three substantial eras, the first era in the early seventies being the most experimental, and progressive, with such albums as Cross Collateral, Infinity & Handmade. The second era, which this album would fall into, as well as: Ocean Liner, Garden of Eden, Blue Tattoo, were more accessable fusion, that is synth heavy, and has a bit of funk added, not unlike what Jean-Luc Ponty was doing at his most prolific time. The third era found Doldinger, the bands braintrust, leaning more towards abstract fusion, that had a prominent jazz sound, albums from this era were: Talk Back, Balance, & Earthborn. Though there are many other Passport albums not listed here, they fall into these vague categories on one side or another. So as for Ataraxia, the music offers an upbeat, synth heavy, funk driven sound, that keys on Doldingers saxaphone exploits, as DBSilver mentions in his review, Doldinger has one of the most individual voices on the sax, once you have heard his music enough, you can pick his sound out in a heartbeat, nobody has this distinct sound, and that is the definitive Passport voice. Many people who have followed the band through the full discography may prefer the first era of the band as far as progressive and fusion music is concerned. I too enjoy those albums, though I also like this style also, particularly the bass and keyboards, both are an improvement in sound and style to the former members IMHO.
