For those not in the know, 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.

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]

With hints of his predecessors from Montgomery to Metheny, and produced by Purcell, Darden Purcell, and Rich Sigler, the album opens his new recording with the fuse being lit on the titular Oblivity and the smooth Quiet the Chaos and then we are brought forth the luxuriantly harmonized Verdigris, the funky blues of Primaries and Spares and the languishing, upright bass-fed Gentle Giant.

Along next is the anything but apathetic Lazy Day Reverie which is in turn backed seamlessly by some gently harmonized chic within Meu Amor, the free-flowing Sunday Best, the new set rounding out on the nibbly agile Move the Needle, coming to an all too soon close on the electric guitar synth driven beauty Flow.

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)

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