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Darren Pickering Small Worlds: Three

By Anastasia Bogomolets
July 27, 2025
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Darren Pickering

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Darren Pickering Small Worlds' release, Three, continues the quartet's ongoing exploration of jazz fused with cinematic flavour and electronic possibilities. The group, led by pianist and composer

Darren Pickering

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Darren Pickering, offers a set of emotionally nuanced compositions, some anchored in jazz language, others bringing in filmic atmosphere. Electronic tools—an array of modular systems, synths and apps—play an active role in shaping the sound. Rather than being added after the fact, they function as part of the compositional language.

Pickering draws from a broad set of influences: the lyricism of

Aaron Parks

drums
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Parks, the ensemble focus of

Brian Blade

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Blade, the electro-acoustic range of The Cinematic Orchestra and EST. The spaciousness of

Ryuichi Sakamoto

composer / conductor
1952 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Ryuichi Sakamoto surfaces in the album's most open and reflective moments, while the emotive tone recalls

Slowly Rolling Camera

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Slowly Rolling Camera's cinematic fusion. Pickering's playing echoes the genre-blurring manner of

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea, particularly in the way he navigates fusion- era interplay, ensuring momentum through rhythmic turns, and a performance style that balances precision with restrained spontaneity. The echoes of

Fourplay

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Fourplay also come through. The quartet's cohesion reflects Fourplay's focus on ensemble balance over individual solos. Some harmonic, melodic, and stylistic elements closely resemble Fourplay's smooth fusion sound.

Guitarist

Heather Webb

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Heather Webb channels The Pat Metheny Group's ambient feel and recalls

Larry Carlton

guitar
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Larry Carlton, again touching the Fourplay connection. Her guitar adds a quiet depth that sits well against Pickering's keys.

Drummer

Jono Blackie

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jono Blackie brings a responsive, listening approach to the music. Drawing inspiration from Brian Blade's interactive style, he crafts rhythms that flow alongside the group's themes. On "Hjartdal," crisp, fast-tempo drums send us back to the UK '90s jungle, yet closely follow the band's melodic contours and create strong momentum. Although the title suggests a calm Norwegian landscape, the drum part contrasts that with something more urban and rhythm-driven.

Pete Fleming

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Pete Fleming's bass work is steady and grounded, establishing the underlying shape the group builds on. His lines create motion and support, shifting with the music. His role is about maintaining cohesion from within.

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.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Green Blinking Light; What If; Tauhou Waltz; Soft Life; Hjartdal; Randall Taylor Time; Folly; Push Bliss.

Personnel

Darren Pickering

piano

Heather Webb

guitar

Pete Fleming

bass, acoustic

Jono Blackie

drums

Album information

Title: Three | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Rattle Records

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