BIOGRAPHY
Written by Demian Dreisbach-Gomez
Tod Purcell is a professional flutist, guitarist, trumpeter, singer, yodeler, arranger and composer with performance experience in many styles and situations. His professional recording debut was on one of Spain's legendary recordings by Gualberto, A La Vida, Al Dolor in 1975. Tod sang the entirety of the album excepting Enrique Morente who dueted with Tod on the epic "Prisoneros" and over time became the leading voice of flamenco experimentalism.
Gualberto (Garcia Perez) was one of the original members of the seminal Spanish psychedelic hard rock band Smash that had brought the Woodstock ethos to Spain. After the demise of Smash, Gualberto travelled to the USA and composed a rock opera entitled ''"Behind the Stars". During his trip, he searched for musicians to help him compose his debut and returned to Spain with Arthur Volh and Tod Purcell. Although the album was a stunning success and galvanized many careers in Spain, the flutist for example was offered his own contract that led to the hugely successful band Granada. Tod was also offered his own solo album in Spain, but he needed to decline the offer and return to the U.S.
Tod Met Gualberto on a train ride from Grand Central Station to Greenwich, Connecticut, where Gualberto was residing at the time, sometime in 1973. Tod was playing 12 string guitar on the train and Gualberto was playing flamenco nylon string guitar. They heard each other, then sat next to each other, and began a musical journey for both of them, cross pollinating Spanish classical and flamenco guitar with traditional Irish bluegrass and country. They played the East Coast circuit for six months and then left for Spain at the end of 1973 to tour and make a record.
Tod expected to go to Spain for two or three weeks to record the album and then return home, but the trip ended up lasting six months longer, as everything moved at a slower pace there at the time. During those six months, Tod lived in Spain, practicing and rehearsing with the band. When the final recording date arrived in Madrid, he immediately flew back to the States to take care of business he had waiting for him.
Back then, there were no cell phones or beepers, and it was very difficult to get in touch with Tod or the musicians in Spain. Six months passed, and out of pure instinct, Tod decided to head back. He was bound for Seville in southern Spain, even though he hadn't heard from the band in all that time. Then something remarkable happened. When Tod got off the plane in Madrid, who did he see walking through the terminal but the entire group from Seville, carrying their instruments? They ran up to each other, hugging in disbelief.
"How the hell did you know?" they asked.
"I didn't," Tod replied. "I had no idea. What's up?"
"We're going to be on television in Barcelona in an hour and a half. Hop on board!"
Tod did just that. They were reunited right there in the airport and went on to perform the television special together. Call it coincidence, call it providence—but there was something magical about that moment. After six months with absolutely no communication, they found each other at exactly the right place and exactly the right time.
Tod Purcell became the principal vocalist and yodeler for Old #7 electric and acoustic bands throughout the 1980s. Linda Clifford was added to the acoustic Old #7 legendary live performance. She was a wonderful harmony singer and astute guitar picker. After Old #7 went fully acoustic, they added Lisa Null and Bill Shute, regularly playing the Eastern seaboard festival circuit. In 1973, Lisa Null had cofounded Green Linnett Records who have released nearly 900 albums including her two with Bill Shute in 1977 and 1980. During their years together, Lisa and Bill offered to play on and record Tod's first solo album under Green Linnett records and to fund a tour behind it. Tod was unable to do so due to family demands.
Yet, all has coalesced for Tod as his family obligations have shifted today. He is in peak form compositionally and vocally - ready to offer his unique songwriting gifts across genres, hybrids and new permutations to diverse audiences. Tod Purcell's eclectic blend of bluegrass, country & western, folk, Irish traditional, and blues based rock will entrance audiences from all walks of life. His performances on the flute, guitar, mandoguitar and trumpet will capture hearts among old-school music lovers who want something truly different by an impeccable but reclusive singer song-writer.
Tod and Demian
Tod in Spain
A la vida, al dolor (Side A)
Tod’s Memories of Spain
The Original Old Number Seven
Tom Conger: According to Tod, Tom was "like the most accurate clock ever invented." His bass playing was steady, precise, and inventive.
Barry Urich: Barry was another superbly accurate timekeeper. His drumming was tasteful, rock solid, and remarkably consistent. Tod says he never heard Barry make a mistake.
Bruce Kirshner: Bruce was a gifted all-around musician. He served as the band's lead singer, was Tod's favorite harmony vocalist, and was an outstanding fiddle, mandolin, and guitar player.
Tom Riley: Tod considers Tom one of the finest pedal steel and dobro players he ever performed with—or has ever heard. His musicianship was instrumental in creating the band's classic country sound.