Free at Noon Flashback: Kensington Clearwater Revival celebrates 50 years of CCR at World Cafe Live

Kensington Clearwater Revival | photo by John Vettese for WXPN

WXPN’s final Free at Noon concert of 2018 was not just a rip-roaring rock and roll party, it was a celebration of Credence Clearwater Revival’s self-titled debut record, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Taking the World Cafe Live stage at the stroke of noon was Kensington Clearwater Revival, a homegrown tribute featuring Philly faves Jeff White and Ali Awan on dueling lead guitar, with Owen Stewart of Kiska and Ruby the Hatchet on lead vocals, plus two of his Ruby bandmates: Jillian Taylor on backup vocals and Sean Hur on organ. The band is rounded out by R.J. Gilligan on bass, Tony Zamboni on drums, with a guest appearance from Max Cudworth on the sax.

Kicking off with “Fortunate Son,” the band ripped across an eight song set of Credence classics and deep cuts, propelled by Stewart’s gruff and gravely delivery, which was about as good an approximation of John Fogerty as you’ll hear in the 215. White and Awan traded licks with finesse, and Taylor’s guest spot on “Proud Mary” was roof-raising.

The Kensington Clearwater Revival is in action again on February 14th, for a Valentine’s Day throwdown at Johnny Brenda’s. In the meantime, Ali Awan plays World Cafe Live upstairs on December 22nd, and Boot and Saddle on December 27th; and Ruby the Hatchet headlines World Cafe Live upstairs on January 16th. Details on all these show can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar. Below, listen to an audio archive of KCR’s Free at Noon concert, and check out a gallery of photos from the set.

Setlist
Fortunate Son
Pagan Baby
Born on the Bayou
Sinister Purpose
Penthouse Pauper
Commotion
Proud Mary
Long as I Can See the Night

Encore:
Travelin’ Band
Feelin’ Blue