Jazz trombonist Randy Purcell made mark locally, nationally

Randy Purcell attacked jazz performance and education with the same zest that marked his heyday as a powerhouse trombonist with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra.

Mr. Purcell, 62, a mainstay in the Pittsburgh jazz scene for many years, died of complications from diabetes Saturday, May 16, 2009.

"He had chops for days," said fellow trombonist Nelson Harrison, talking about a strength that let him play loud and long. "When he was playing, he took no prisoners."

Harrison will lead a 14-piece ensemble at Monday's Sewickley Memorial Day Parade, one he and Purcell assembled for years. This year Harrison is calling it the Randy Purcell Memorial Band.

Mr. Purcell, of West Mifflin, was the son of bandleader Jack Purcell. He started playing trombone at Overbrook Grade School and then at Carrick High School. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a degree in trombone performance.

He played with the Sy Zentner, Glenn Miller and Fred Waring orchestras, as well as the Navy Commodores, but the peak of his touring career came in the early '70s when he was with screech trumpet legend Ferguson's band. He had a well-known solo on "Chameleon," one of the band's hits, and on "The Way We Were" and "Feelings," a song for which Mr. Purcell wrote the arrangement.

Tony Mowod, jazz host on WDUQ 90.5-FM, remembers talking to Ferguson about Mr. Purcell and how he said "he was one of the best trombone players he ever had in his band."

Mr. Purcell decided to quit touring in the late '70s and returned to Pittsburgh, where he headed the Carnegie Mellon jazz program for a time. He then became a stockbroker and did a variety of musical jobs.

As well as playing in groups he assembled, he appeared as a guest star at area events and with community orchestras.

Mowod said he helped put together the Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Student Big Band 18 years ago.

"He was always trying to help people out," Mowod said. "He had such a good attitude."

Mr. Purcell is survived by his parents, Jack and Jeanne Purcell of Brookline; son, Shawn Purcell of Champaign, Ill.; brother, Rick Purcell of Mt. Lebanon; and sister, Leslie Upchurch of West New York, N.J.

Viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Heard Funeral Home, 4047 Perrysville Ave., Observatory Hill. A service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon.

The family suggests donations be made to the Randy Purcell Trombone Scholarship at Duquesne University.