Cutout is a collaborative group that brings together five of the most accomplished and internationally acclaimed jazz musicians living in the Boston area, united by an interest in creating adventurous improvisational forms. All musicians contribute original compositions that function as springboards for instant arrangements during each performance. The group’s members have all played together for at least 15 years in different configurations such as The Whammies, Matchbox, several of Pandelis Karayorgis’ groups, Breakaway, the Bathysphere large ensemble and the Duo Jeb Bishop/Jorrit Dijkstra. Since September 2017 Cutout has been performing regularly at the Lilypad in Cambridge, as part of the Point01Percent series of improvisation concerts.
Originally from Amsterdam, saxophonist Jorrit Dijkstra has long lived in the Boston area, where he has found common musical ground with Greek pianist Pandelis Karayorgis. Together they run Driff Records, an independent record label for their own groups and projects. Bassist Nate McBride and trombonist Jeb Bishop are former stalwarts of the Chicago jazz community, and are noted for their tenures with groups like Sun Rooms, The Engines, and the Vandermark 5. Luther Gray is one of Boston’s most sought-after drummers, known from his own groups Lawnmower, and the Luther Gray group, and as a sideman with Jerry Bergonzi, Allan Chase, and George Garzone.