What makes Cuts by Mats Gustafsson notable?

The album received considerable attention within jazz circles for its bold experimentation and dynamic soundscapes, reflecting a shift toward more abstract expressionism in contemporary jazz. It was praised in various reviews for its depth and complexity, contributing to discussions around the evolution of free jazz during the early 2010s. When Mats Gustafsson released 'Cuts' in 2013, he was already an established figure in the avant-garde and free jazz scene, known for his innovative saxophone techniques. This album marked a significant point in his discography, further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist after the acclaimed 'The Thing' project and numerous collaborations throughout the late 2000s.

Cuts works well if you're into immersive soundscapes for introspection, extended tracks for deep focus and chaotic improvisation that challenges.

How many songs are on Cuts?

Cuts has 5 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Cuts

Mats Gustafsson · 2013

71 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A visceral exploration of free jazz, where chaotic improvisation meets stark emotional clarity across expansive compositions.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Evil Knives. Lines. — This nearly 18-minute opener sets an intense tone for the album, showcasing Gustafsson's ferocious improvisational style with haunting textures that evolve throughout.
→
Deep Lines. Cuts. — Spanning over 19 minutes, this track dives into intricate interplay between instruments, highlighting the collaborative nature of free jazz while pushing emotional boundaries.
→
Like Me. Like You. — This sprawling piece exemplifies the album's theme of reflection and connection, with a delicate balance between chaos and melody that invites deep listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's bold improvisation and dynamic contrasts create a unique listening experience within contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
The album employs a wide dynamic range, with sudden shifts from quiet, introspective passages to intense, chaotic bursts of sound.
There is a consistent use of unconventional techniques on the saxophone, including multiphonics and circular breathing, which contribute to its visceral quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive soundscapes for introspection
extended tracks for deep focus
chaotic improvisation that challenges
haunting atmospheres for late nights

Maybe skip if you

seeking immediate gratification
prefer structured, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context: When Mats Gustafsson released 'Cuts' in 2013, he was already an established figure in the avant-garde and free jazz scene, known for his innovative saxophone techniques. This album marked a significant point in his discography, further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist after the acclaimed 'The Thing' project and numerous collaborations throughout the late 2000s.
Stylistic neighbors: Peter Brötzmann· Ken Vandermark· John Zorn