Deborah Cox Gets Back on 'Musical Roller Coaster'

It may be six years between soul/R&B albums for platinum-selling, Canadian-born singer Deborah Cox, but that "down time" was truly inspirational for the Miami resident. She gave birth to two children, performed on Broadway in the leading role of 'Aida,' and toured with Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors' jaunt.

"I decided to take some time off and have a family, smell the flowers ... enjoy life," said Cox, who releases 'The Promise' on Nov. 11. "I've been on this musical roller coaster for almost 15 years.

"Since the first album, it's been nonstop traveling and doing so much. I felt like I was missing out on so much -- missing out on family functions, relatives passing on, weddings, births. A lot has happened over the past 15 years in my life and I really needed to take some time to just enjoy it myself."

While the former Clive Davis protege performed with Elton John's Broadway show 'Aida,' she penned songs for her jazz collection, 'Destination Moon,' as well as those for 'The Promise.' The nightly performances also inspired her personal stage show.

"A lot of that experience performing live with the orchestra, with the musicians, I guess kept the creative juices going," Cox said. "It allowed me to be sort of more open creatively. I didn't feel I had to fit into any specific genre. I just knew I wanted great songs. I feel like this album exemplifies that. It's not one specific genre. The basis of it is soul/R&B music. It's not trendy. It's not trendy music."