Patrice Rushen - “Before the Dawn”

Prelusion / Before the Dawn (1974) is an amazing debut album from musical prodigy Patrice Rushen; one of the premier pianist / keyboardists in popular music of all time. It has Joe Henderson, Hadley Caliman, Oscar Brasher, and George Bohanon on windwards, Tony Dumas on bass, Lee Ritenour on guitar, Leon Chancler on drums, and of course Patrice on keys. The title track is the standout for me. Featured on Questlove’s compilation CD “Babies Making Babies”, the track is steeped heavily in the jazz fusion of the era with a sensual feel and timeless appeal despite its namesake. One has to wonder what direction her career would have taken if she stayed with jazz but the nature of music and all things is to move forward and evolve. “The goal of the artist is to create the definitive work that cannot be surpassed.” - George Bernard Shaw. And with this song, she may have done just that. 

-J After Dark