McDonald, who recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony-winning revival of Porgy and Bess, a venture that earned the actress her fifth Tony Award, has recorded four albums for Nonesuch, beginning with "Way Back to Paradise" in 1998. Her solo releases also include "How Glory Goes" (2000), "Happy Songs" (2002) and "Build a Bridge" (2006).

A release date and title for the new album have not been announced. The actress recently told the L.A. Times that she will begin recording her fifth album in mid-February.

McDonald also earned Tony Awards for her work in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime and A Raisin in the Sun. Her work on stage also includes Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with Patti LuPone, as well as Tony-nominated performances in 110 in the Shade and Marie Christine. On screen she has appeared in the television adaptations of "A Raisin in the Sun," "Wit" and "Annie." She is known to television audiences for "Private Practice" and "Grey's Anatomy."