The Thing are a Norwegian/Swedish jazz trio, consisting of Mats Gustafsson (saxophones), Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (double bass), and Paal
Nilssen-Love (drums). The Thing were established in February 2000 to play a series of concerts in Stockholm and a recording of Don Cherry
compositions that was released in Sweden by the label Crazy Wisdom/Universal. Melding German, British and American traditions of free
music, their repertoire has later been collected from various sources such as James Blood Ulmer, Frank Lowe, PJ Harvey, White Stripes and
Joe McPhee. McPhee was also a participating musician on the She Knows... album (2001). Other guests who have joined The Thing for
recording and performances include Ken Vandermark, Otomo Yoshihide, Thurston Moore, Jim O'Rourke and Jeb Bishop.
