Jon Pardi Brings California Country To Nashville’s Marathon Music Works

Jon Pardi. Photo: Eric T. Parker

Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi brought his California brand of country music to Marathon Music Works near downtown Nashville for a tightly packed crowd on Monday night (April 25).

The Golden State native showcased many tunes from his forthcoming sophomore album, California Sunrise, out June 17. Of those new tunes, “Head Over Boots” is the first to shoot out of the gate, landing at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart on March 31. Pardi played through additional standouts like the romantic “She Ain’t In It,” the groovy “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” and a prime two-stepper “Out Of Style.”

With the 2016 album Pardi continues his edgy, traditional country sound he has built over the past five years on the back of traditional country influences. The Nashville show recognized his heroes like the late West Coast legend Merle Haggard in addition to an encore performance of Alan Jackson‘s “Don’t Rock The Jukebox.”

Signature material from the 30-year-old star was spotlighted with a six-piece backing band, even employing a genuine fiddle and steel guitar. Additional stand-out material was showcased including older songs “Empty Beer Cans,” “What I Can’t Put Down,” and Pardi’s debut single “Missin’ You Crazy.”

Pardi’s 90-minute set came after a performance from UMG Nashville label mate Lauren Alaina (Mercury Nashville). The Season 10 American Idol runner-up gave the audience a taste of her pop-country fusion, charisma and charm. The entertainers powerhouse vocals were highlighted in a few pop covers including a mashup of Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Reba, Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Rihanna. Three songs were performed from her latest self-titled EP, including her Meghan Trainor co-write “Road Less Traveled,” and her single “Next Boyfriend.” She closed out her set with a cover of the Jessie J/Nicki Minaj/Ariana Grande pop hit “Bang Bang.”

Pardi continues to tour the country heavily through August. Alaina is booked for various dates through July.