That Mambo Doggie Thing
The Herald Bulletin, March 10, 1997
by Janice Chavers

The Paramount Theatre is getting ready to do that "Mambo Doggie Thing." That's what will be happening when the popular Indianapolis-based band, Dog Talk, plays March 20, presenting such original tunes as "It's A Doggie Day," "Dance Of The Vampire Women," Talkin' Talkin' Talkin'" and "Mambo Doggie Thing."

Known for its high-energy performances using 80 percussion instruments, the band has been difficult by critics to classify. "A pretty darn cool reggae-alternative-and-anything-elese-you-can-think-of-band" was how NUVO's Jeff Napier described Dog Talk.

Anderson native Michael Beck, who sings and plays drums and percussion, said "world beat" is a term often used, because the group encompasses such styles as diverse as calypso, pop, jazz, reggae, rock, Latin and zydeco.

The band was founded over three years ago by Beck, who said he was tired of all "the trashy, dark, grungy music out there."

"I wanted to do something positive and to do my own thing. I really like Caribbean island, reggae, world beat sound," Beck said.

Beck then found others with similar views--and Dog Talk was launched. Members include Cliff White of Anderson and Cliff Fortney, Bill Lancton and Jim Litchfield, all of Indianapolis.

The group hasn't stopped "barking" ever since and keeps gaining more and more fans, who are known as Mambo Doggies.

"It's continually grown. I am just tickled to death to be playing music we like," Beck said.

White, who sings and plays a variety of instruments, also is pleased with the diversity of music Dog Talk performs. Ever since he was a child, he's had his radio to his ear, listening to every type of music, even polka and Porter Wagoner.

"I listen to music like other people watch TV," White said.

Playing music also is a natural to White, who considers Dog Talk's performances the highlight of his week.

The group plays a little bit of everywhere--from wedding receptions and corporate gigs to jazz clubs and conventions. They've also played major events such as the Mississippi River Festival in St. Louis and at Deer Creek Music Center with Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and Phish.

"We will play someplace with 8-or 9-year-old kids dancing and going crazy and then we'll turn around and play the country club, and they'll love it," Beck said.

Beck said people usually are pretty lively during their performances. At an opera house in Mitchell, In., some formed a conga line. "

"We're known for being pretty interactive," Beck said.

About 65 to 75 percent of the songs presented are original, Beck said. The group also does an eclectic collection of cover tunes--anything from Dean Martin to "Hello Dolly."

As Beck put it, "We do tunes others wouldn't do."

The shows usually aren't too planned out in order to let the band members be moved by the moment.

"It comes out as it comes out," Beck said.

In addition to performing, the band also records. Its second CD, "Twiddling The Tightrope," has just been released. The first recording "It Happens Every Day," is in its second printing and receives airplay on several Midwest radio stations.

"We love what we do and look forward to going to work. It's tiring sometimes, but we are invigorated when we are out there," Beck said. "It's so wild and wacky sometimes."

After the high-energy performance, White says he's pretty exhausted. But he's still hyped.

"I go home and watch infomercials to calm me down and put me to sleep," White said.

White, who spends a lot of time writing music, said Dog Talk's really special to him. In general, he's a dog person.

To relax, White plays with his four dogs, all strays rescued from the streets of Anderson. "I'll always have a dog in my life," White said.