Reviews for ‘Three’
“Three asks questions about mood, memory, and place. It doesn’t answer them, and that’s one of the reasons it’s worth returning to, again and again. It sits somewhere between jazz and ambient, taking elements of both to create powerful textured soundscapes that reward attention.” (John Bradbury, 13th Floor)
“Three by Darren Pickering Small Worlds is an exploration of jazz's evolving frontier, where jazz tradition meets electronic innovation and cinematic ambience. Each member of the quartet contributes a distinctive voice shaped by rich influences, yet unified in a shared aesthetic. The group's performance is precise and intentional, highlighting moments of quiet intimacy alongside dynamic intensity.” (4/5 stars, All About Jazz)
““Three” is considerate, not ostentatious. This album is meant to be listened to carefully; it rewards patient with richness in texture and emotion. Darren Pickering's Small Worlds provide something unique, whether of your preference for ambient fusion, jazz in the ECM manner, or contemporary creative forms: a rich, resonant listening experience that sounds as alive as it is expertly crafted.” (Kamil Bobin, The Musical Road)
“What separates his outfit from others, however, is the distinctive identity the group has forged and the impressive connection its members share. Four individuals participate in the performances, but the unit plays with a rapport that's truly special, so much so that it registers as a totally integrated quartet with each member vital to its sound.” (Textura Magazine)
“…create a sound that embodies meticulous craftsmanship with an element of freedom within the framework of modern jazz while exploring atmospheric and occasionally cinematic soundscapes. The personal warmth exuded by this release is complemented by underlying technical brilliance just beneath its surface.” (Hailtunes)
“This is a superb quartet; unsurprisingly, after two previous albums, they are hyperaware of interplay. This is particularly important in an album like this, as the soundscape is so open.” (John Fenton, Jazz Local 32)
“My personal favourite from the album is Soft Life. A perfect mix of ambient modular synthesis and through composed jazz, it starts off modular synthesis focused but leans into the soft expanse of unusual but smooth chord changes. This entire album is an incredible experience. The band is locked in with each other and collaborate together to create pieces that feel so incredibly familiar, but truly original and unique.” (Catherine Bullock, MuzicNZ)
This time around, the music unfolds with a slow burn, then flips everything on its head by the midpoint, introducing what might be the most future-forward jazz vibe I’ve heard in ages. (Gabriel Rivera, Indie Boulevard Magazine)
Reviews for ‘Volume Two’
“....Pickering and company create atmospheric music of lustrous texture and sinuous melody..... With every instrumental gesture guided by the writing and every choice geared towards maximizing its potential, their playing dramatically amplifies the evocativeness of the writing.” (Ron Schepper, Textura)
“Often atmospheric, his music also knows how to find, here and there, the codes of very well-executed mainstream jazz, without abandoning the discreet use of electronics.” (Yves Dorison, Culture Jazz)
“There is a balladic sensibility to the ensemble's ambient jazz sound, enhanced by the subtle electronic textures of Darren's ever-expanding collection of modular systems, synths, selected iPad apps and sonic manipulation devices.” (Maggie Coco, Melodic Magazine)
“...composer/pianist Pickering whose work can have all the delicacy of ambient-adjacent piano music but also reach into something akin to more muscular jazz-rock when the tune demands it...classy.” (Graham Reid, Elsewhere)
“...there's much to enjoy with this excellent set of compositions and these exquisite readings.” (Simon Sweetman, Sounds Good!)
Reviews for ‘Volume One’
“A thoroughly enjoyable album from Pickering and co. The first and last tracks have me hooked… stunningly original and gloriously ethereal. The other seven tracks are pretty darn good too. Recommended listening.” (Mike Gates, ‘UK Vibe’)
"Here’s something for those peaceful moments when softly falling rain instills a serenity upon the world you hope will never end." (Dave Sumner, 'Best Jazz on Bandcamp: August 2022')
"So it's modern, perfectly melodic, and the general movement is based on fluidity. The contribution of electronics is quite discreet but nevertheless thickens a subject whose sounds regularly come out of the usual framework with which our ears are confronted. There is a certain je ne sais quoi in this music that is part of its charm. The interaction is there and we can say that the musicians of the quartet have the necessary osmosis for their music to blossom fully. Be curious, listen to them." (Yves Dorison, 'Culture Jazz')
"From its polite opener, Volume One is a well curated journey into small but interesting worlds which reward repeat listening and set them up for a welcome second volume." (Graham Reid, 'Elsewhere’)
"Darren Pickering’s compositions are lovely and have a remarkable ability to convey both a sense of journey and a somewhat mournful deep contemplation. His melodic lines are almost instantly memorable, and he’s prone to emphasise them with repetitive cycles. Pickering’s piano is seldom left on its lonesome, however, and especially notable is the fact that Mitch Dwyer’s guitar often doubles those piano melodies to pleasing effect." (Gary Steel, 'Witchdoctor')
““Moody 7” is an iterative exercise in seven that makes me think of a crossing between E.S.T. and Radiohead. The jazzy rock flavors of these bands are also expressed on “Ixtapa”, whose symmetric texture is garnished with tasteful electronic elements.” (Filipe Freitas, ‘JazzTrail’)
"I’m a fan of Rattle – as a label, their ethos, enthusiasm, curation; their dedication. And this is one of the best releases they’ve put in the world in a while. And Darren Pickering Small Worlds is a phenomenon unit, and the compositions here, most often, are sublime." (Simon Sweetman, 'Off The Tracks')
"I love this album because it redefines what jazz is and wrestles it out of the hands of the academics who tend to overthink and over play the genre. The addition of electronic textures heightens the experience and blurs the boundaries, making the experience far more unique and adventurous. Sure, you can call this ‘jazz’, but I call it cool!" (Tim Gruar, 'Ambient Light')