Before the Dawn (album)

Infobox Album
Name = Before the Dawn
Type = Album
Longtype =
Artist = Patrice Rushen


Released = 1975
Recorded = August 1975
Genre = Jazz
Length = mm:ss
Label = Prestige
Producer =
Reviews = * Allmusic Rating|4|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hi2zefekhgf3 link]
Last album = "Prelusion" (1974)
This album = "Before the Dawn" (1975)
Next album = "Shout It Out" (1976)

"Before the Dawn" was the second album by jazz/R&B singer Patrice Rushen. While 1974's "Prelusion" was essentially a straight-ahead record with fusion references, the 1975's "Before the Dawn" album was essentially a fusion album. With this album Rushen brings a fusion of R&B, pop, and rock elements to her jazz foundation.

The album included the song "What's the Story," which was the only song that did not have a jazz artist's sound, it has a more funk tune which features singer Josie James. The would later be compared with songs from her follow up albums as it showed great resemblance to her work as an R&B singer with Elektra Records. Everything else on the "Before the Dawn" album, however, is instrumental jazz — although instrumental jazz that is mindful of R&B, pop, and rock. The album was a clear step for Rushen as it showed her entrance to R&B music and exit from Jazz music.

Her next album was "Shout It Out". This album would be the last album with Prestige Records.

Track listing

# "Kickin' Back"
# "Jubilation"
# "What's the Story"
# "Before the Dawn"
# "Razzia"