Before the Dawn is the second album by jazz/R&B musician Patrice Rushen; while 1974's Prelusion was essentially a straight-ahead record with fusion references, 1975's Before the Dawn 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 had a more funk tune which featured singer Josie James. This 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. However, everything else on the album, is instrumental jazz — although instrumental jazz 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.
Nate Alfred, Reggie Andrews, Thelette Bennett, Josie James, Charles Meeks, Charles Mims, Patrice Rushen, Evelyn Wesley, Jimmie Lee Wesley, Brenda White and Martha Young – handclaps (2)
