Shawn Purcell

Shawn Purcell is a highly accomplished jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, and educator originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now based in the Washington, DC area. With a rich musical heritage and an extensive educational background—holding degrees from Duquesne University, Middle Tennessee State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois—Purcell has built a distinguished career blending his military service with his passion for jazz. He spent over 15 years playing in prestigious military jazz ensembles like The Airmen of Note (U.S. Air Force) and the Navy Band Commodores, touring internationally and sharing the stage with jazz luminaries such as Peter Erskine and Terell Stafford.

Beyond performance, Purcell is deeply involved in music education, serving as an adjunct professor of jazz studies at George Mason University and having taught at several other institutions, while also publishing articles in noted jazz magazines. His discography features acclaimed albums like *Symmetricity* (2019), *180* (2022), and *Oblivity* (2025), where he showcases a masterful command of both traditional and modern jazz guitar, drawing inspiration from legends like Pat Martino and Wes Montgomery. These works highlight his energetic, fluid style and smart, complex compositions, earning praise across the jazz community for balancing technical prowess with soulful expression.