Patrice Rushen - Prelusion / Before The Dawn (1998)

This 1998 CD reissues keyboardist Patrice Rushen's first two recordings as a leader except for one selection ("Puttered Bopcorn") from the first date that was left out due to lack of space. Twenty at the time of the earlier set, Rushen showed a great deal of potential for the future, potential that (at least in the jazz world) was unfortunately never realized. Rushen is heard on the Prelusion album heading a septet that includes tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson (the most memorable soloist), trumpeter Oscar Brashear, trombonist George Bohanon and Hadley Caliman on reeds; the music is essentially advanced hard bop with touches of fusion. The later date has a similar group (without Henderson) and with guest spots for flutist Hubert Laws and guitarist Lee Ritenour. The R&B-ish vocal by Josie James on "What's the Story" hints at where Rushen would be going in the future: straight to the pop market. So overall this CD, which should have served as a bright beginning for the young keyboardist, is practically the artistic high point of Patrice Rushen's erratic career.


Tracks:

Prelusion ( 1974)
01. Shortie's Portion (8:42)
02. 7/73 (12:32)
03. Haw-Right Now (8:00)
04. Traverse (10:53)

Before The Dawn ( 1975)
05. Kickin' Back (7:35)
06. What's The Story (5:15)
07. Jubilation (5:58)
08. Before The Dawn (8:18)
09. Razzia (9:41)

Personnel:

Patrice Rushen - keyboards, tambourine, cabasa
Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone
George Bohanon - trombone
Oscar Brashear - trumpet, flugelhorn
Hubert Laws - flute
Hadley Caliman - flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone
Lee Ritenour - guitar
Charles Meeks & Tony Dumas - bass
Harvey Mason & Leon "Ndugu" Chancler - drums
Nate Alfred & Kenneth Nash - percussion
Josie James - vocals on What's The Story