Shawn Purcell, Oblivity Review

by 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 playing, and the intuitive chemistry of a first-rate ensemble make this album a true find.

At the center of the album is Purcell’s compositional design. Each piece is assembled around a single hook or a progression; they are carefully shaped frameworks that balance modern harmonic depth with accessible narrative melodic arcs. The title track opens with a driving swing that channels bebop lineage while simultaneously carving its own melodic character. Purcell demonstrates his rare ability to write lines that are in the jazz tradition and fresh. His solo is crafted with lines that resolve logically and leave space for surprise.

“Quiet the Chaos” stretches into modern jazz modality; the ensemble’s orchestration reflects Purcell’s storytelling in longer forms. Darden Purcell’s voice adds to the motivic development that rewards close listening as her voice functions as an instrument. “Verdigris” is a ten-minute composition of patient evolving textures, lyrical solos, and carefully layered orchestration. This presentation shows Purcell’s commitment to structural integrity that allows the ensemble to explore and express within. Purcell’s solo is fluid and designed with clear motifs and peaks. Walt Weiskopf’s tenor saxophone solo is excellent. Chris Ziemba’s solo is a delight of chords and melodies.

Purcell’s guitar work moves seamlessly between the roles of lead, soloist, and colorist. His tone is warm, modern, and articulate, allowing chords to sing with balance and his single lines to cut clearly through textures. On “Primaries and Spares,” his phrasing flows in long arcs, each idea dovetailing into the next with natural ease. The use of guitar synth on the title track and “Flow” brings a new color and acts like an extension of his vocabulary. Throughout the album, Purcell’s playing is rhythmically buoyant and convincingly integrated into the harmonic context. His solos are marked by fluid motion across registers, always conversational and never forced, the product of technical command and narrative pacing.

The ensemble chemistry is excellent in Oblivity. Walt Weiskopf’s tenor saxophone provides a robust counterpart to Purcell’s guitar. Weiskopf demonstrates precision and shares a rhythmic sensibility with the rhythm section, which comes across as deeply attuned. Chris Ziemba’s solos, full of angular lines and commanding voicing presence, mesh beautifully with Purcell’s rounded lyricism. Vocalist Darden Purcell adds another dimension, particularly on “Lazy Day Reverie” and “Meu Amor,” where her phrasing and timbral subtlety transform the compositions into rich, hybrid landscapes of song and improvisation. Jeff Reed’s grounding bass and Steve Fidyk’s crisp, responsive drumming collectively round out the rhythm section with balance and authority that make every performance feel buoyant. Ben Patterson’s trombone adds color and flow on two selections.

“Gentle Giant” strips away the horns and voice, leaving Purcell’s guitar to interact in a leaner trio setting. The space allows Fidyk’s cymbal and brush work and Reed’s bass lines to shine. The chemistry between the three comes from listening and reacting. Purcell’s long, steady lines connect the harmony with a strong outlining of the expressive tones moving within the harmony. “Meu Amor” integrates Brazilian sensibilities with an easy naturalism. Purcell’s facility in genre-crossing, with the ensemble’s core identity being shaped by the composition, can be heard. Purcell’s swinging approach to the clave is exceptional.

Oblivity presents an ensemble playing Purcell’s ten compositions with a responsiveness that comes from deep listening. That listening allows small rhythmic adjustments, dynamic shading, and phrasing that anticipates and reacts. Purcell is a guitarist of fluidity and grace. As a composer, his elegance lies in structure, pacing, and detail. Supported by an ensemble whose chemistry is palpable in every track, this is an album that speaks to the art of modern jazz at its most integrated and deeply musical.