Jazz · DE · Active since 1991

Tab Two

Slick, rhythmic acid jazz built on the interplay of virtuosic bass and soaring trumpet. The sound of a 1990s metropolitan lounge at its coolest.

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Intro

Tab Two (an acronym for Trumpet and Bass) was a pivotal German duo consisting of bassist Hellmut Hattler and trumpeter Joo Kraus. Formed in 1991, they became central figures in the European acid jazz movement, distinguishing themselves through a highly technical yet accessible fusion of live instrumentation and digital production.

Hattler, already a legend in the German krautrock and fusion scene with the band Kraan, provided a rock-solid, often aggressive bass foundation that allowed Kraus to explore melodic and rhythmic boundaries on the trumpet. Their sound evolved from early jazz-rap experiments into a sophisticated blend of nu-jazz, trip-hop, and drum and bass. Critically, they were praised for their ability to translate the energy of a live duo into a studio environment that felt modern and club-ready. While they achieved significant commercial success in Germany during the mid-90s, their influence persists among crate-diggers and acid jazz aficionados who value the technical precision of the 'Trumpet and Bass' interplay.

Our Catalog7 Albums · 1991 · 1999
The Sound · Center of GravityWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
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MF
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KJ
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Rubin Steiner
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M
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UF
United Future Organization

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