Soprano saxophonist Marion Meadows, with longtime producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, conjures a relaxed atmosphere on Soul City with tight beats and polished sonics in the forefront. The talented guests include contrasting guitarists Norman Brown and Peter White, as well as singers Will Downing on the breezy “Samba de Playa” and Peabo Bryson on a soulful cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” But the streamlined funk and dark harmonic color of “Consequences” highlight Meadows on his own—less adorned, sounding just as strong.