Dog Talk a pleasant surprise
Weekend Flyer, February 8, 1996
by Tom Breedlove

PLAINFIELD--With the exception of last night, I cannot remember a time when I was able to stay in Plainfield and not drive at least 20 miles to see original music performed on stage. For live music, the nearest venues for westsiders are usually located in downtown Indianapolis or Broad Ripple.

This past weekend, however, at Timothy's here, Dog Talk proved that quality entertainment is gently pushing its way westward.

Upon entering Timothy's, I knew something unusual was about to take place when I noticed the stage, complete with vocalist / percussionist Cliff White's conga drums and gong.

"Conga drums and a gong on a stage in a Plainfield bar? Something's not right," I thought.

Something was not right. As the band started into its first song, I realized that I was actually hearing original music and not a cover version of the Allman Brothers' "Freebird," for which some audience members kept yelling.

The music instantly reminded me of a number of bands, including Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The music, however, only hinted of such influences. Even its rendition of Bob Marley's "Exodus" showed uniqueness and prose.

While White beat on his drums mercilessly, the keyboardist, only know as "Fort," exchanged his keyboards for a flute and a harmonica and continued fluidly pumping out the notes.

Bill Lancton, noted for playing in the band Fresh during the 1970's and at the Grand Ole' Opry in Nashville with Sundance, took control as guitarist while Dean Rosencrans tighened up the band with his bass. Drummer Mike Beck not only drummed, but provided backing and lead vocals during one of his songs (something about going old and gray prematurely because of insantity, working too hard, or both).

This is the first time I had ever seen a cover charge at Timothy's, but the music was definitely worth the $3 I debated paying at the door.

In the past, Dog Talk has opened for the likes of Bruce Hornsby and Bonnie Raitt. Performing is a full-time job for the group and they take it very seriously while having fun doing so. Their new CD, "It Happens Every Day," was produced by George Strakis, who has produced albums for Whitney Houston and the Eagles. It is also available on cassette tape for the technologically backwards as myself. Speaking of technology, LuAnn Lancton kept things running smoothly on sound, and I never saw so much as a guitar string break.

Dog Talk promised to come back to Timothy's and it looks like that will happen this summer. Until then, the good people of Plainfield can catch Blow Torch Fanny on Feb. 23, 24, and The House Cats on acoustic nights Feb. 22, 29.

Timothy's is located at 115 N. Center St. across from the police station. For more information call 838-0894.