Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Each of Anderson .Paak’s four geographically-themed albums have been widely acclaimed and embraced, yet 2016’s “Malibu” is the one that really put him on the path to breaking through at the crossroads of R&B, neo soul, hip-hop and jazz, often wrapped around an old school appreciation.

As the years progressed, so did his status as an innovative singer, rapper, songwriter, producer and drummer, while teaming with Dr. Dre on his comeback collection “Compton” and Bruno Mars in the super duo Silk Sonic catapulted him even closer to superstardom.

Naturally, Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island was sold out for a two-part performance alongside longtime backers The Free Nationals, GAWD as supporting vocalists and trumpeter Maurice Brown, who besides recalling all of the aforementioned album, turned in an entire extra set representing the rest of the Grammy Award winner’s varied and vibrant catalogue.

In terms of the “Malibu” material, “The Bird” got it off to a flying start, followed by such momentum-building tracks as “Heart Don’t Stand A Chance” and “The Waters,” the latter of which featured local hero BJ The Chicago Kid on the original recording.

Contagious singles such as “The Season / Carry Me,” “Am I Wrong,” “Room in Here” and “Come Down” were crossed with further favorites “Come Down,” “Celebrate” and “The Dreamer,” each helping draw an ambitious portrait of the confident, boundary-shattering musician .Paak would quickly become.

To help transition between those periods, The Free Nationals let loose with the grooves “Beauty & Essex” and “Eternal Light,” then .Paak further traced his exhilarating ascent throughout the likes of “Make It Better,” “Milk N’ Honey” and “Come Home.”

There were also nods to the headliner’s wide array of notable collaborations, including “Glowed Up” (Kaytranada), “Smokin Out The Window (Silk Sonic) and “Dang!” (Mac Miller), adding mounds more diversity to the endless rhythmic delights.

The dynamic duo in its own regard, GAWD, got the party going with dance floor-filling tracks off the “Cathedral City” EP, blending tightly knit harmonies and boundless energy that’s already putting the pair on the fast track to reaching the impact of .Paak and the other powerhouse players.

For additional information on Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, visit AndersonPaak.com.

Upcoming concerts at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include John Summit & Friends (Oct. 10-12). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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