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“I love this album because it redefines what jazz is …. the addition of electronic textures heightens the experience and blurs the boundaries, making the experience far more unique and adventurous." (Tim Gruar, 'Ambient Light') The Autumn Season of Concert Series continues with the innovative and expansive sounds of Christchurch pianist Darren Pickering, who leads his all star band to perform the Darren Pickering Small Worlds project at Hanover Hall on Saturday, 22 June. Bringing guitarist Heather Web, double bassist Pete Flemming and drummer Jono Blackie from Christchurch, Pickering’s Small Worlds ensemble will present original compositions from the two volumes recently released by Rattle Records. Pickering’s music combines elements of jazz composition and improvisation with cinematic soundscapes to create an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of jazz as a genre.
Following their celebrated debut album VOLUME ONE in 2022, this innovative group has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz, exploring the fascinating interplay between jazz improvisation, electronic textures and cinematic aesthetics. Described as "stunningly original & gloriously ethereal" by UK Vibe, "sublime" by Simon Sweetman, and "perfectly melodic" by Culture Jazz, Darren Pickering’s Small Worlds ensemble is set to deliver a performance that is both innovative and deeply moving. Their latest release, VOLUME TWO, sees an even greater integration of electronic elements, featuring solo piano tracks enriched with modular synths and resonators.
Darren Pickering is a versatile Jazz Pianist, Composer, Educator, and Keyboard Session Musician based in Christchurch, who has performed with renowned international jazz artists like Gordon Brisker and Bobby Shew, as well as nationally acclaimed musicians such as Julia Deans and Dave Dobbyn. Heather Webb is a guitarist, composer, recording artist, band leader, and session musician recognised as a top woman in jazz by RNZ, known for her performances with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and collaborations with artists like Bic Runga, as well as her acclaimed compositions for documentaries and jazz ensembles. Pete Fleming is a multi-instrumentalist from Christchurch, New Zealand, with a rich background in performing across over 30 countries and a dedicated career in teaching music to young tamariki for over 20 years, while also pursuing hobbies like photography, scuba diving, and motorcycling. Drummer Jono Blackie is a 19-year-old student at Ara Music Arts, who has been passionate about all genres of music and playing drums since he was 7 years old.
Hanover Hall is a licensed venue with a cash bar.
Personnel:
Darren Pickering – Piano
Heather Webb – Guitar
Pete Fleming – Bass
Jono Blackie – Drums
Saturday, 22nd June, 7:30pm Dunedin Jazz Club @ Hanover Hall
Timings: 7 pm doors open, 7:30 Set One, 8:15 break, 8:30 Set Two, 9:30 Finish.
Tickets at www.dunedinjazz.club
Adult: $28.75 (includes $3.75 GST) Cash $30
Senior / Unwaged: $23 (includes $3 GST) Cash $25
Student: $17.25 (includes $2.25 GST) Cash $20
Darren Pickering Full Bio:
Darren Pickering is a multifaceted jazz pianist, composer, educator, keyboard session musician based in Christchurch, NZ. Pickering’s impressive career includes performances and tours with international jazz luminaries such as Gordon Brisker (USA), Dick De Graf (Holland), William Parker (USA), Raed Yassin (Lebanon), Bobby Shew (USA), Jamie Oehlers (AUS), Iain Ballamy (UK), and Tom Warrington (USA). On the national stage, he has collaborated with renowned artists like Julia Deans, LA Mitchell, Mark Vanilau, Whirimako Black, Dave Dobbyn, Anika Moa, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and Anna Coddington.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
65 Hanover Street, Dunedin Central, 63A Hanover St, Dunedin Central, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand,Dunedin, New Zealand
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