Before the Dawn

Released in 1975 on Prestige Records, Before the Dawn is Patrice Rushen's second studio album and represents a pivotal evolution from her debut, Prelusion. While her first record was rooted in straight-ahead jazz, this album fully embraces the fusion movement of the mid-70s, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and soul. Produced by Reggie Andrews, the album features a stellar lineup of session musicians who help Rushen bridge the gap between her jazz education and her R&B future. The track 'What's the Story' is particularly notable as the album's only vocal-led piece, featuring Josie James; it serves as a stylistic harbinger for the chart-topping R&B career Rushen would launch later in the decade. Critics, including those at AllMusic, have noted the album's sophisticated arrangements and Rushen's exceptional keyboard work, often citing it as one of the finest examples of the 'Prestige fusion' sound before the label's identity shifted. It remains a highly sought-after title for jazz-funk collectors and hip-hop producers looking for rich, melodic sample material.