Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2019

DEAR JERRY: One of those novelty radio shows recently played a Christmas record made with barking dogs — using real dogs.

This is something completely different than those zany songs made in the '50s by the Singing Dogs.

I only heard this barking track one time, and haven't a clue where to find it. Since this seems like what you are better at than anyone, can you sniff out some information for me?
—Rowena Horne, Asbury Park, N.J.

DEAR ROWENA: Do you mean I'm better at barking than anyone?

You no doubt heard a muttish selection from the CD album "Howliday Favourites in Dog," credited to Top Dog (Sling Shot CD-80060), issued in 1994.

A creation of producer Craig Huxley, this collection of 14 canine Christmas favorites with titles such as: "Santa Claws"; "Jingle Dogs"; "Little Drummer Dog"; "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Raindog"; "Fetch All Ye Faithful," and that New Year's classic, "Old Fang's Whine."

For those who take their Top Dogs seriously, there is even a Barkfest [fan] Club. Their last known address is: Barkfest, 15030 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1776, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

Aside from training the kennel crew, Top Dog producer Craig Huxley has been a featured musician on such best-selling albums as Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and "E.T."

Fittingly, as a child actor appearing on the "Lassie" TV show in 1968, Huxley's boy scout character was saved from a life-threatening situation by the famous collie, Lassie.

DEAR JERRY: I would love to know the name of the musician who plays the hauntingly beautiful horn on "Easy Living," in the background during the movie, "Chinatown."

My best guess is Ruby Braff. What say you?
—Don Kelton, Tacoma, Wash.

DEAR DON: The soundtrack LP (ABC DP-848) credits Uan Rasey as "trumpet soloist" overall; however, "Easy Living" is played by a piano soloist, probably Mike Lang.


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