On Oblivity, guitarist-composer Shawn Purcell presents a picture of maturity and refined ambition, creating an album that balances intricate writing with expressive freedom. He is joined by tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, pianist Chris Ziemba (who also contributes Fender Rhodes colors), bassist Jeff Reed, drummer Steve Fidyk, and trombonist Ben Patterson, with wordless vocals from Darden […]
On Oblivity, guitarist-composer Shawn Purcell presents a picture of maturity and refined ambition, creating an album that balances intricate writing with expressive freedom. He is joined by tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, pianist Chris Ziemba (who also contributes Fender Rhodes colors), bassist Jeff Reed, drummer Steve Fidyk, and trombonist Ben Patterson, with wordless vocals from Darden Purcell adding occasional emotional and textural weight. Throughout the set, Purcell’s lines glide with clarity and purpose, moving seamlessly between angular modern harmonies and lyrical narrative arcs, while the ensemble responds with agility and deep interplay. The production feels like a conversation, and the quality of the compositions makes it both intellectually engaging and resonant.
