The Thing

Experimental Scandinavian Jazz Ensemble

The Thing is a Scandinavian jazz trio consisting of Mats Gustafsson on saxophones, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten on bass, and Paal Nilssen-Love on drums. Formed in 1999, the group initially came together to perform the music of Don Cherry, which influenced their name. The Thing is known for their blend of jazz with elements of free jazz and avant-garde. They have collaborated with various artists and have a reputation for intense live performances. Their discography includes a number of albums that showcase their improvisational skills and their ability to merge jazz with other genres such as rock and punk. The band has made significant contributions to the European jazz scene and continues to push the boundaries of the genre.