Creedence, Doobies prove oldies can still be goodies

If the mixed audience members closed their eyes during the Creedence Clearwater Revisited concert, they wouldn't have missed original lead singer John Fogerty's raspy twang. In fact, new singer, John Tristao, sounds so much like Fogerty, it was eerie.

CCR - Tristao, former Cars' guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Steve Gunner, original drummer Doug "Cosmo" and original bassist Stu Cook - got the audience roaring out such classics as "Born On the Bayou," "Green River" and "Lodi."Although Tristao's voice is a little deeper and huskier, the swampy, Cajun blues were there. And when Easton's solos cried through the system the audience would scream for more.

Without much ballyhoo, CCR played a two-hour set filled with the hits like "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Hey, Tonight" and "Suzy Q."

The slower "Long As I Can See the Light" and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" counterpointed the romping blues.

The countryfied "Down On the Corner" and the extended guitar jam of "Heard It Through the Grapevine" were just what the doctor ordered.

"Midnight Special," "Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary" were part of the climax.

The encore included "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "Travelin' Band" and "Fortunate Son."

Hot to trot were the Doobie Brothers. These veterans of the "Biker Blues" cranked up the volume and blasted out good, timeless tunes as "Rockin' Down the Highway," "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "The Doctor."

The energy was high, but there was a feeling the band was rushing the set.

Still, the obligatory "China Grove," "Listen to the Music" and the No. 1 hit, "Blackwater" worked and had the fans on their feet.

Tickets said showtime was 7:30 p.m., but the concert actually started at 7 p.m.

The reason? Local band Sun Masons. This trio, which has been a darling of the local music scene, did its best and cranked out some hard rock.