Idina Menzel, Rent's original Maureen, makes her debut as a solo recording artist Sept. 15, when Hollywood Records releases Still I Can't Be Still. Menzel was one of several members of the Rent cast -- including Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega -- whose background was steeped more in rock music than theatre.
The album is described as concerning "probing self-analysis, adventurous sex, gnawing inner conflict, love, laughs and tales of life in the big city, all set to a compelling mix of funk, rock, soul and freewheeling jazz."
The album's first single is "Minuet." Other songs include "Think Too Much," "All of the Above," "Larissa's Lagoon," "Heart on My Sleeve," "Fool Out of Me," and the title cut. Milton Davis and James Bevelle produced. The album was recorded at Bearsville Studio in Woodstock, NY.
Prior to assuming her Tony-nominated role in Rent, Menzel studied drama at New York University and formed her own band, performing at such Manhattan venues at the Bitter End, Don Hill's and CBGB's.