Presumably she was finding time for live performance and establishing her name in jazz circles that way, but I imagine some intervention and negotiation by Williams and/or Henderson was needed to persuade the mighty Prestige label to sign the relatively unknown Rushen to a three record contract. This is pure speculation on my part, but Patrice had not yet become the ubiquitous, in-demand session player she was soon to become, so it seems as likely a scenario as any. Since Joe Henderson had settled in San Francisco in the early 70’s and was working as a jazz educator at the time, I am presuming it was Williams who recruited Henderson to add some “draw” to this session for his former prodigy student, who I believe was in college at USC in Los Angeles at the time this was made. This record was produced by Rushen’s high-school mentor, Reggie Anderson. Barely 20 years old when it was released, she stands on the shoulders of giants here (sorry, I couldn’t help myself), with assistance from the great Joe Henderson on tenor and Leon “Ndugu” Chancler driving the drum kit. So, there she is, smiling and lovely, standing barely higher than her grand piano – Patrice Rushen on her debut album. Recording engineer – Eddie Harris, Skip ShimminĪ few months ago I posted an extended 12″ single of one of Patrice Rushen’s early 80’s jams, and promised to come back and delve into her discography a little for the benefit of folks who were unfamiliar with her rewarding body of work. Original release 1974 – Prestige (P 10089)Īll songs composed and arranged by Patrice RushenĪcoustic and electric piano – Patrice Rushenįlute, Alto Flute, Soprano Saxophone – Hadley Caliman
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