Klaus Doldinger


Klaus Doldinger is a German saxophonist known for his work in jazz and as a film music composer. He was the recipient of 1997's Bavarian Film Awards.

Life and work

Doldinger was born in Berlin, and entered a Düsseldorf conservatory in 1947, originally studying piano and then clarinet, graduating in 1957. In his student years, Doldinger gained professional performing experience, starting in 1953 in the German Dixieland band The Feetwarmers, and recording with them in 1955. Later that year he founded Oscar's Trio, modeled on Oscar Peterson's work. During the 1960s he worked as a tenor saxophonist, working with visiting American jazz musicians and recording in his own right.
Doldinger's recurring jazz project Passport, started in 1971, still enjoys huge success in Germany. In its influence it was sometimes called the European version of Weather Report.
At various times members of Passport included Peter O'Mara, Roberto DiGioia, Patrick Scales, Ernst Stroer , Christian Lettner, Michael Hornek, Biboul Darouiche and others. Guests include Brian Auger, Johnny Griffin and Pete York. The first true Passport album had strong ties to Amon Düül II containing contributions from Olaf Kübler, Lothar Meid and Jimmy Jackson, it remains an off-the-radar Krautrock essential.
Doldinger contributed film scores to the German U-boat film Das Boot and later The NeverEnding Story. He also composed the famous musical theme of the long ongoing German-Austrian-Swiss series "Tatort".
Doldinger married Inge Beck in 1960; they have three children, Viola, Melanie and Nicolas Doldinger. Since 1968 they have resided in Icking, a small Bavarian village, south of Munich.

Selected film and TV scores