Looking somewhat like a Leon Russell impersonator (long beard and hair, hence, the nickname Hairy) guitarist/vocalist/harmonica slinger Hairy Larry and his Hungarians have self-released an interesting 12-song album that has its share of highs and unfortunately a few lows.
Getting things started is a take on Junior Wells' "Messin' with the Kid." Other covers appearing on "Sneakin' Around" include John Lennon/Paul McCartney's "Get Back," Muddy Waters' "I'm Ready," and Rice Millers' "Help Me" and "Keep It to Yourself," among others. Larry contributes only two originals, "Won't Be Down Always" and the title track. Along for the Hungarian magic carpet ride is bassist/vocalist Carl Heyl and his brother drummer/vocalist Kier and keyboardist/vocalist Richard Stevens (his playing is one of the CDs highlights).
By the looks of the song list appearing on "Sneakin' Around," ("House of the Rising Sun," "Get Back," "Like a Rolling Stone") the fellers have played their share of fraternity parties and beer joints.
They have obvious talent but the CD suffers from poor and unbalanced recording quality. A few more self-penned numbers would have been nice to, but what was heard justifies Larry and posse a return to a better recording studio with improved engineering/production.
Since this writer received zero press material and the liner notes offered no contact information, little can be offered as far as the history of this band, location of residence, etc.
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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