Personnel: Patrice Rushen (keyboards, tambourine, hand claps); Josie James (vocals, hand claps); Lee Ritenour (guitar); Hadley Caliman (flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone); Hubert Laws (flute, alto flute); Oscar Brashear (trumpet, flugelhorn); Harvey Mason, Sr. , Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (drums); Brenda White, Reggie Andrews, Charles Meeks (hand claps); Kenneth Nash (percussion).
Audio Remasterer: Kirk Felton.
Audio Remixer: Skip Shimmin.
Liner Note Author: Zan Stewart.
Recording information: Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA (08/1975/08/1975).
Arranger: Patrice Rushen.
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. ~ Scott Yanow
Professional Reviews
Mojo (Publisher) (10/03, p.132) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...This jazz pianist-turned-vocalist cut some fine funky fusion..."
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