Dog Talk originated in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the summer
of 1993.
The "founding father" of DT is percussionist Michael
Beck, who was an original member of Arista recording artists
Happy The Man. After leaving HTM in the 70's, Michael went
on to do many of his own projects, focusing on the eclectic
world of percussion. After living in the Los Angeles area,
and being disappointed with the negative factors that go with
the LA music scene, Michael and his family moved back to their
roots in Indiana in the early 1990's.
Determined to produce music that promoted fun and something
positive, he submitted a solo audition tape to Indy's 1993
music showcase,"Rock The Ripple". In this tape he
sang vocals, played drums, keyboards, and percussion. He was
selected to perform for the showcase. The one thing he didn't
have was a band to play his songs during that hour showcase!
So, quickly and out of necessity, Dog Talk was born.
As with most bands, there were personnel changes made to
complete the present line-up. Joining Michael as an original
member is front vocalist / percussionist, Cliff White. In
the early summer of 1994, bassist Jim Litchfield came on board
giving DT the distinctive fretless bass sound. Three gigs
later, jazz guitarist Bill Lancton joined the group. DT rounded
things out by welcoming sax player / keyboardist / vocalist
Kenny Kipp in May of 1999.
Dog Talk Personnel
Michael Beck Percussionist, Vocals
Michael Beck, founder of the band Dog
Talk, plays a variety of ethnic percussion instruments
such as djembe, shekeres, and angklung. His collection
includes hundreds of instruments from around the world
(and neighborhood flea markets). Formerly the drummer
for Arista recording artists Happy the Man, Michael
has also collaborated on music for both theatre and
dance companies.
Bill Lancton Guitar, MIDI Guitar, Vocals
Guitarist Bill Lancton brings 30 years
experience playing funk, jazz, rock and country to the
group. Bill has jammed with Kenny Loggins, performed
with Sam and Dave, and played at The Grand Ole Opry
in Nashville, in addition to fronting his own jazz group
and working with countless renowned jazz artists. A
finalist in radio station WTPI's jazz competition, Bill
has released two jazz CDs, "Lanctones" (1997)
and "Yeah, man" (1999). Cuts from both CDs
can be heard extensively on WTPI 107.9 FM. In 2004,
Bill released his 3rd CD, "Vintage Melangé".
Jim Litchfield Bass, Percussion
Jim Litchfield, fretless bassist, switched
from trumpet to bass early in his musical career while
playing gospel music. His first recording was with The
Gospel Messengers at the age of 15. Influenced by Jaco
Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Miles Davis, Jim has
played every conceivable style of music including blues,
alternative, pop, rock, country, jazz, and reggae.
Cliff White Vocals, Percussion
Cliff began singing and playing congas
at the age of 14 with The Soul Reaction Band, a 25-member
show band. He's expanded his collection of instruments
to include the udu drum and authentic cajun rub board.
Influenced by the soul of Jackie Wilson, the heart of
Ray Charles, the zaniness of Spike Jones and the rhythm
of Ricky Riccardo, Cliff's vocals and stage presence
are at the center of Dog Talk.
Kenny Kipp Horns, Keyboards, Vocals
Originally from California, Kenny has
spent the past 10 years sharing his talents, both playing
and teaching, in Indianapolis. He has worked in various
genres, including rock and blue to jazz and funk. He
brings a variety of horns to the table, including tenor,
alto and soprano saxes, as well as wind synth.
