I'm Not Waiting
Julia Murney's solo debutI'm Not Waitingshows how much talent lies just below the headlining-superstar level on Broadway.  Best known for her electrifying portrayal of Queenie in Andrew Lippa'sThe Wild Partyor for her role as Elphaba in the touring version ofWicked, Murney here shows both the power and sensitivity to be a major star.  The mix of pop and Broadway songs ranges from Tom Waits's "Rainbow Sleeves," Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You," and Annie Lennox's "A Thousand Beautiful Things" merged with U2's "Beautiful Day," to John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy" (Murney starred in Broadway'sLennonin 2006) andWicked's ballad "I'm Not That Girl."  Lippa produced the recording and contributes not only "Raise the Roof" but "When I First Met Him," which was cut fromThe Wild Partyand "I'm Not Waiting," written expressly for Murney.  Pianist and co-musical director Tom Kitt also contributes the beautiful "Perfect."--David Horiuchi