Marion Meadows

2006's Dressed to Chill offered its title track as a single. It peaked at number three on the Smooth Jazz Songs chart and remained on the list for over 40 weeks. Secrets, with the same production team he'd used on his two previous albums, peaked at number 11 at Jazz Albums, and was Meadows' final album for Heads Up. All of tracks were composed by the artist save for its final number, a lithe cover of Pat Metheny's "Here to Stay." The saxophonist/composer spent time touring the U.S, Japan, and the Caribbean over the next several years. He signed with Shanachie in 2012 and released his debut for the label in the winter of 2013. Entitled Whisper, the only member of Meadows' veteran production team remaining was Mike Broening -- newcomers Rahni Song and guitarist Carlos Pennisi were recruited. The set peaked at nine on Jazz Albums and 31 at Heatseekers. After a successful tour, Meadows re-entered the studio to emerge with Soul Traveler, co-produced with Pennisi. The album hit number five on the Jazz Albums chart and remained there for eight weeks. The following year, the saxophonist received a doctorate in music from Wilberforce University. His spring 2018 release Soul City was co-produced with Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Rahni Song, and Dave Love. Its singles included guest spots from Norman Brown & Joey Sommerville on the title track, Maysa & Peter White on ""Dreamin'," and Will Gaines on "You." Released in January, it attained the number two spot at Jazz Albums by March. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi