Every once in a while, an album will come your way that both delights and impresses the ear. Like shooting stars, these are not completely rare occurrences but it's the fortunate person who gets to enjoy the experience... This album makes a statement and says a lot.
With a wide-ranging virtuosic fluidity, D.C.-based guitarist Shawn Purcell draws on an abundance of musical influences and a refined ensemble cohesion in crafting the journey that Oblivity leads. Inviting the acclaimed saxophonist Walt Weiskopf to share the front line, they energize this dynamic quintet set of all original compositions, along with Purcell's longtime bandmates Chris Ziemba on piano, bassist Jeff Reed, and drummer Steve Fidyk. Darden Purcell also orchestrates several melodies with her wordless vocals and trombonist Ben Patterson guests on two compositions. From searing, fusion-adjacent moments, to fiery post-bop, and spacious, sensitive ballads, Oblivity displays an artful and compelling sonic experience.
Track Listing:
1 Oblivity 5:34
2 Quiet the Chaos 8:20
3 Verdigris 9:53
4 Primaries and Spares 5:57
5 Gentle Giant 6:26
6 Lazy Day Reverie 7:03
7 Meu Amor 6:35
8 Sunday Best 6:08
9 Move the Needle 8:24
10 Flow 6:04
All Compositions by Shawn Purcell
Shawn Purcell Music (BMI)
Performers:
Shawn Purcell - guitar, guitar synth (2,10)
Walt Weiskopf - tenor saxophone (except 5)
Darden Purcell - voice (2,3,6,7)
Ben Patterson - trombone (2,6)
Chris Ziemba - piano, Fender Rhodes (4)
Jeff Reed - acoustic bass
Steve Fidyk - drums & cymbals, percussion (4,7)
Production Info:
Produced by Shawn Purcell, Darden Purcell, Rich Sigler
Recorded March 11-13, 2025 by Charlie Pilzer
at Tonal Park Studio, Takoma Park, MD
Edited by Rich Sigler, Sigler Music Productions
Mixed & mastered by Dave Darlington
at Bass Hit Recording, New York, NY
Liner notes by Wolf Marshall
Cover photo by Stas Mukhin
Band photo by Suzette Niess Photography
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of Oblivity
Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
One of the trickiest aspects of jazz, and especially for guitarists like Shawn Purcell, is to develop a personal and unique sound. I feel that this guy's got one, and although you can hear hints of his predecessors from Montgomery to Metheny, you can definitely recognize him in a lineup. Here, he plays guitar and guitar synth with Walt Weiskopf/ts, ...
Paris Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
4 1/2 STARS
For nearly two decades, guitarist and composer Shawn Purcell served in military music ensembles, an experience that almost certainly shaped his meticulous sense of orchestration and his instinct for placing instruments in the precise order and hierarchy needed to evoke a particular mood. In Purcell's hands, it is always about beauty ...
Jazz Guitar Today (Joe Barth)
Some wonderful guitarists have come out of Pittsburgh, including Shawn Purcell. Shawn studied in the prestigious guitar program at Duquesne University and went on to serve his country as an Air Force musician in some of the top military bands. Before his retirement from the military, he was stationed near Washington DC. Now, a first-call guitaris ...
LA Jazz Scene (Scott Yanow)
Guitarist Shawn Purcell can always be counted on to create stimulating and inventive music. In his career he worked with the U.S. Air Force's Airmen Of Note for 8 years, was with the US Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble, and has appeared on over 30 recordings. Oblivity is his third album as a leader, following 2019's Symmetricity and 2022's 180.
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Jazz Sensibilities (Jeff Becker)
Shawn Purcell's Oblivity is a natural continuation of his previous work and a marked expansion of his compositional vision. Having long established himself as a first-call guitarist in Washington, D.C. and beyond, Purcell now offers a set of ten originals that frame his artistry with clarity. The elegance of Purcell's writing, the fluency of his pl ...
The Jazz Word (Nolan DeBuke)
Oblivity is Shawn Purcell leading an ensemble as a guitarist of fluidity and grace. He reveals he is a composer of rare elegance throughout the ten compositions. His writing balances structure, pacing, and detail with a clarity that invites deep listening. The ensemble delivers each piece with palpable chemistry, and the album speaks to the art of ...
Making a Scene (Dee Dee McNeil)
Dr. Shawn Purcell's music bursts onto the scene with hurricane force. The title tune, "Oblivity" is swirling with Straight-ahead energy and excitement. This is one of ten songs Purcell has composed for this outstanding jazz album.
"Oblivity" is the condition of being unknown or not remembering. The state of oblivion has always been a fascinati ...
