Hellmut Hattler: The Virtuoso of German Jazz and Rock Bass
Hellmut Hattler is a distinguished German bassist and composer whose career spans over five decades of musical innovation. Born on April 12, 1952, in Ulm, West Germany, Hattler has become a pivotal figure in the evolution of European jazz and rock. His artistic journey is defined by a unique duality—the ability to blend aggressive, hard-hitting energy with soft, melodic sophistication.
Early in his life, Hattler studied the violin and played the guitar during the 1960s, drawing significant inspiration from the legendary Jimi Hendrix. However, his musical trajectory shifted when he joined Peter Wolbrandt's band, marking his transition to the bass guitar, the instrument that would define his professional legacy.
Key Facts
- Born: April 12, 1952, in Ulm, West Germany.
- Primary Instrument: Bass guitar.
- Notable Groups: Kraan, Tab Two, HATTLER, and Siyou'n'Hell.
- Genre Contributions: Krautrock, Fusion, Acid Jazz, and NuJazz.
- Accolades: German ECHO Award for best jazz production (2001).
- Educational Works: Author of the Hip Bass school and the Hellmut Hattler Songbook.
Musical Evolution and Major Projects
Kraan and the Roots of Krautrock
In May 1971, Hattler co-founded Kraan alongside Johannes Pappert and brothers Peter and Jan Wolbrandt. The group initially embraced Krautrock—a broad term for experimental rock music originating in Germany—before evolving toward fusion, a style that blends rock, jazz, and ethnic elements. The band's name was chosen for its phonetic quality, starting aggressively and ending softly, mirroring the band's musical philosophy.
Despite a brief dissolution in 1983 after releasing critically acclaimed albums like Flyday (1979), Kraan reformed in the late 1980s and made a successful comeback in 2000. The group continues to record and perform live to this day.
Tab Two: Pioneering NuJazz
Hattler's collaboration with trumpeter Joo Kraus led to the formation of Tab Two. Initially featuring guitarist Torsten de Winkel, the duo eventually evolved into a partnership between Hattler and Kraus. They became pioneers of Acid Jazz and NuJazz (a modern blend of jazz and electronic music) in Germany.
Their hit "Flagman Ahead" gained significant traction on American radio, and the duo's versatility led them to produce music for international stars like Tina Turner. After a hiatus, they reunited for a limited tour and the release of the best-of album Two Thumbs Up in 2012.
HATTLER and Electronic Exploration
Driven by the influence of electronic music, Hattler launched his self-titled project, HATTLER. The album No Eats Yes earned the German ECHO Award for best jazz production in 2001. Through this project and his work with Deep Dive Corp., Hattler integrated electronic impulses into his compositions. In 2001, he further expanded his professional reach by founding the Bassball Recordings label.
Siyou'n'Hell
Since 2009, Hattler has performed in Siyou'n'Hell, an energetic duo featuring gospel singer Siyou. The project, which blends soulful vocals with Hattler's driving bass lines, has released two albums and frequently incorporates additional guest musicians during live performances.
Collaborations and Educational Contributions
Beyond his own projects, Hattler is a sought-after collaborator. He has toured and recorded with a diverse array of international musicians, including Billy Cobham, Joachim Kühn, Alphonse Mouzon, and Nippy Noya. His technical expertise is also documented in two instructional books: the Hip Bass school, focusing on plectrum technique, and the Hellmut Hattler Songbook.
| Project | Primary Genre | Key Contribution/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Kraan | Krautrock / Fusion | Founding member; influential in German fusion scene. |
| Tab Two | Acid Jazz / NuJazz | Pioneered electronic-jazz blends in Germany. |
| HATTLER | Electronic / Jazz | Winner of the 2001 German ECHO Award. |
| Siyou'n'Hell | Gospel / Fusion | Energetic duo blending gospel vocals with bass. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the band name 'Kraan'?
Hellmut Hattler explained that the name was chosen because it sounds hard and aggressive at the start but finishes softly, reflecting the musical duality that became a trademark of his work.
Which award did the project 'HATTLER' win?
The album No Eats Yes from the HATTLER project was awarded the German ECHO Award for the best jazz production of 2001.
What are Hellmut Hattler's contributions to music education?
Hattler has published two books: the Hip Bass school, which demonstrates his plectrum technique, and the Hellmut Hattler Songbook, containing chords and scores from his HATTLER project.
Who are some of the international artists Hattler has worked with?
He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Tina Turner, Billy Cobham, Joachim Kühn, Alphonse Mouzon, and Nippy Noya.
What is the meaning behind the name 'Siyou'n'Hell'?
The name is a play on words combining the name of gospel singer Siyou and "Hell," which is a shortened version of Hellmut's first name.