New Release: Oblivity from Shawn Purcell

 

Oblivity from Shawn Purcell 
Label:  Origin Records
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Website: www.shawnpurcell.com

As a composer, arranger, leader, and guitarist, Shawn Purcell original works layer instruments, forming a massive conglomerate that quakes, rattles, simmers, thrusts, roars, and reels on his 2025 project Oblivity.  Performing alongside tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, trombonist Ben Patterson, keyboardist Chris Ziemba, acoustic bass player Jeff Reed, drummer/percussionist Steve Fidyk, and vocalist Darden Purcell, his material jumps out at listeners, calling for their undivided attention.  Indeed, he achieves this feat by utilizing the whirling motion of the horns, the heady throbs of the bass and drums, the cascading doodles engineered by the keys, and Purcell's own percolating strings.  From hardcore bop to soulful blues, swing, and smooth jazz interludes, Purcell's music isn't compacted with signature traits but rather he travels across a gamut of lyrical styles and musical expressions that showcase the flexibility of playing in a collaborative setting.  Each track has its own voice from the dulcet passages of "Meu Amor" to the easy-going cantor of "Lazy Day Reverie".  From the frothy whirls of the title track to the steamy swagger of "Sunday Best", and the giddy palpitations of "Move the Needle".  There is a sense of spontaneity prevalent throughout the tracks, giving the musicians the freedom to move their proverbial dial as they wish from frenzied splashing to gentle inflections and passionate musings.  Their imaginings seem limitless, always flowing in sync with a harmonious penmanship amidst the lively activity.