DARREN PICKERING SMALL WORLDS

DARREN PICKERING SMALL WORLDS

Based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ), Darren Pickering Small Worlds largely perform works composed by pianist Darren Pickering along with re-imagined reiterations of selected works from other genres. The group mostly focuses on through-composed compositions and improvisation, and the artistic direction is determined equally by all members. The cinematic flavour of their sound is enhanced by the electronic textures of Darren’s ever-expanding collection of modular systems, synths, selected iPad apps and audio manipulation devices.

Their influences include Aaron Parks, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band, The Cinematic Orchestra, EST, Floating Points, Jacob Karlzon, Kendrick Scott Oracle, Romain Collin, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Slowly Rolling Camera, to name only a few.  

DARREN PICKERING

Darren was a jazz pianist, composer, educator, modular synthesist and session musician. Apart from recordings made with his jazz ensemble, Darren Pickering Small Worlds, he produced several solo electronic ambient works and enjoyed performing with a wide range of local and international artists. Darren had an insatiable enthusiasm for music, particularly jazz, and a passionate commitment to music education and advocacy. His music was always beautiful, soulful, and sincere, music from the heart informed by a deep musical knowledge and enviable musical instincts. A generous collaborator, Darren was first and foremost a gentleman and a friend.