Mats Gustafsson Concerts

Experience Mats Gustafsson

Mats Gustafsson is a Swedish saxophonist and composer renowned for his intensely energetic and free improvisational work. Born in 1973, he initially studied classical clarinet before transitioning to saxophone, quickly becoming a central figure in the European free jazz and improvised music scene. Gustafsson is perhaps best known as a founding member of the internationally acclaimed trio The Thing, alongside bassist Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, consistently pushing boundaries with their visceral performances and reinterpretations of popular songs (like Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue).

Beyond The Thing, Gustafsson leads numerous projects including the Mats Gustafsson Trio, Stone Soup (with Raymond Strid and Johan Berthling), and has collaborated extensively with artists like Jim O’Rourke, Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, and Peter Brötzmann. His playing is characterized by a powerful tone, extended techniques, and a fearless approach to sonic exploration.

Gustafsson's discography boasts over 70 albums as a leader or co-leader. He has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to improvised music, solidifying his position as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.