Tab Two
| Company type | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Hellmut Hattler, Joo Kraus |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | Acid jazz music albums and singles |
Tab Two is a German ensemble specializing in acid jazz, established in 1991. The name 'Tab' is derived from Trumpet and Bass, reflecting the core instruments of the group, which includes Hellmut Hattler and Joo Kraus.
History
Since 1987, bassist Hattler and trumpeter Kraus had been working together, including their time as part of Kraan. Their collaboration evolved into forming Tab Two in 1991. Their sound, blending traditional acoustic instrumentation with electronic elements, was often described as "hip jazz."
The band secured a contract with Virgin Records for the European market and later collaborated with Polydor and JVC Victor in Japan. Over their initial career, they released eight albums before disbanding in 1999. Their tracks were featured in advertising campaigns for companies like Mercedes-Benz and Bruno Banani. The 1994 release Hip Jazz received recognition as 'CD of the Month' by the German publication Der Wiener.
After experiencing a resurgence of interest in their music, Tab Two announced a "temporary reunion" in 2011. This included a series of ten concerts and the issuance of a comprehensive 3-CD anthology titled Two Thumbs Up in 2012.
In April 2012, coinciding with Hellmut Hattler's 60th birthday celebration, Tab Two reunited on stage for their first live performance since 1999. This concert was made available digitally as the six-track album Live at the Roxy.
February 2013 saw the release of ...Zzzipp! extended, a three-CD collection featuring remastered live versions from their 2000 album ...Zzzipp!, an additional rehearsal recording with audience participation, and a bonus disc containing seven selections from their 2012 tour.
That same year, Tab Two performed twice as Tab Two & Friends, reuniting with former guest vocalist Sandie Wollasch and expanding their lineup to include Oli Rubow on drums and Ralf Schmid on keyboards.
Albums
- Mind Movie (1991), Intercord Record Service/EMI
- Space Case (1992), Intercord Record Service
- Hip Jazz (1994), Intercord Record Service/Virgin/Victor
- Flagman Ahead (1995), Virgin
- Belle Affaire (1996), Virgin
- Sonic Tools (1997), Virgin
- Between Us (1999), Polydor
- Zzzipp! (2000), Polydor
- Live At The Roxy (2012), 36music (download-only)
- Zzzipp! extended (2013)
Compilation albums
- Robo Talk (1995), Victor
- Tab Two (1997), Virgin
- Two Thumbs Up (2012), 36music
Singles
- "My Horn" (1993), Intercord Record Service
- "This Beat Goes Boom" (1993), Intercord Record Service
- "No Flagman Ahead" (1995), Virgin
- "Vraiment Paris" (1995), Virgin - promo only
- "Let It Flow" (1996), Virgin
- "Belle Affaire" (1997), Virgin
- Tab Two (1997) - promo only
- "Get There II" (1998), Polydor
- "No Way No War" (1999), Polydor