Prelusion (1975)/ Before The Dawn

Ze werd later bekend in de popwereld, maar als 20-jarige begon ze als jazz- en fusion-pianist/toetsenist. Dit is een mengsel van hardbop, fusion die verwijst naar Chick Corea en Herbie Hancock en (op "Before The Dawn") ook wat meer poppy funk. "This 1998 CD reissues the keyboardist's first two recordings as a leader. Rushen showed a great deal of potential for the future, that was never realized in the jazz world. On "Prelusion" she is heading a septet that includes tenorist Joe Henderson (the most memorable soloist). 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 the pop direction Rushen would be going in the future. So overall this CD, which should have served as a bright beginning for the young keyboardist, is practically the artistic high point of Rushen's erratic career." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)