Volume Two

Darren Pickering Small Worlds

Following their acclaimed debut, VOLUME ONE, Darren Pickering Small Worlds continues their investigation of the intersection between cinematic aesthetics and electronic textures within the framework of contemporary jazz. Electronic textures are more prevalent on VOLUME TWO, a set that includes solo piano tracks that employ modular synths and resonators. VOLUME TWO represents a logical progression in Darren’s artistic and compositional vision.

Darren Pickering (piano, modular, iPad)
Mitch Dwyer (guitar)
Pete Fleming (bass)
Mitch Thomas (drums)

All compositions by Darren Pickering © 2023 except Bibo No Aozora (Ryuichi Sakamoto, arr. D. Pickering) and Chasing Pavements (Adele & Eg White, arr. D. Pickering)
Produced by Darren Pickering Small Worlds
Recorded at Rapaki Studios, Christchurch (NZ)
Engineered and mixed by Alex Harmer
Mastered by Steve Garden
Cover art ‘In Pieces’ by Harry Harrison
Design by Unklefranc
Printing by Studio Q

Released: 23 November 2023
Catalogue: RAT-J-1055

Darren PICKERING

Darren is a jazz pianist, composer, educator, modular synthesist and session musician based in Christchurch (NZ). Apart from his ‘Darren Pickering Small Worlds’ quartet, he has also recorded a number of solo electronic ambient works, and performs with Bits of Beck, Swim Against the Tide, and Wulfie.

DARREN PICKERING SMALL WORLDS

This new jazz quartet from Ōtautahi (NZ) focuses on the original compositions of pianist Darren Pickering and re-imagined cover versions of selected works from other genres. The group’s emphasis is mostly on through-composed material combined with improvisation, and the artistic direction is determined equally by all members: Mitch Dwyer (guitar); Pete Fleming (bass) and Mitch Thomas (drums). There is a cinematic flavour to the ensemble’s sound, enhanced by the electronic textures of Darren’s ever-expanding Eurorack Modular system and selected iPad apps.