Shawn Purcell graduated from Duquesne University in May, 1993 with a B.M. in Recording Arts and Sciences. At Duquesne, he studied Jazz/ Brazilian/ Rock Guitar under the direction of Kenny Karsh, Joe Negri, and Marty Ashby, and classical guitar under the direction of Tom Kikta. Also while attending Duquesne; Purcell studied Jazz Arranging and Jazz Composition with Dr. John Wilson.

While attending Duquesne, and upon graduating, Purcell played in “Late Edition,” a contemporary Jazz/ Fusion Band based in Pittsburgh. It was in “Late Edition” that Purcell took on composing and arranging responsibilities that sparked his compositional interest and added to his own personal musical development. In November, 1993, he took a gig touring with Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus as the Blue Unit’s staff guitarist. This two year stint covered over 93 cities throughout the United States.

Upon leaving the circus in December, 1995 Purcell joined the Air Force Jazz Band “The Airmen of Note” in August, 1996. During his tenure with the “Note,” Purcell recorded, toured and performed throughout the United States, Germany, Luxembourg, England, Italy, and several countries in the Middle East. He furthermore performed with many well-known artists including: Herbie Hancock, Peter Erskine, Kirk Whalum, Jeannie Bryson, Joe Williams, Bob Berg, Dave Liebman, Conrad Herwig, Mike Mainieri, Lew Tabacken, Gregg Bissonette, Clark Terry, James Moody, Claudio Roditi, Randy Brecker, Tony Williams, Harold Jones, Ronnie Cuber, James Williams, Herbie Mann, Jerry Bergonzi, B.B. Winans, Lari White, Kenny Rankin, Quincy Jones, Peabo Bryson, Gloria Loring, The Temptations, The Vogues and many others. Festival performances include the Toronto Jazz Festival, Pensacola Jazz Festival, AES (Audio Engineers Society) National Convention, International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Midwest Bandmasters Assoc. Convention, International Trumpet Guild and the Mellon Jazz Festival. During this time Purcell also continued his studies with players such as John Hart and Rick Margitza. Recording Experience includes 13 CD’s and numerous jingles. Purcell separated from the Air Force in March, 2004.

From 2001 to 2003 Purcell also held the Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar position at George Mason University. He led clinics at numerous colleges including Towson University, Montgomery College, Brigham Young University, and Penn State University. Upon separating from the Air Force, Purcell was selected as the staff guitarist for the world premier of Frank Loesser’s musical “Senior Discretion Himself” debuting at the Arena Stage in Washington D.C.

Since moving to Nashville in 2004 Purcell has remained active in the jazz scene teaching at the Nashville Jazz Workshop and performing at various local establishments including F. Scott’s, Sambuca, Mercy Lounge and the Ryman. He has also performed several times on the “Live in Studio C” radio program on WPLN, Nashville Jazz Workshop’s “Snap on 2 and 4” concert series, and is involved in several recording sessions with some of the finest