Aquarian article by Josh Max
re: the release of Be Somebody

... This 11-song collection of classic R&B tunes and an original tractitled Be Somebody, Larry co-wrote with his colleague Michael Raye. The title track features a choir of 70 children. "It's a real positive message," says Larry. "I want to encourage kids to do something with their lives and this CD is a step in that direction."

Larry has been stepping in a positive direction ever since he discovered the drums at the age of six. His father and family were very supportive of Larry's music ambitions, taking him to countless concerts, drum clinics and rehearsals before he was old enough to drive. In school Larry signed up and excelled in every band available whether it was marching band, concert orchestra or jazz combo. By high school Larry was making a living doing what he loved best and has never looked back.

Larry attended Rutgers University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in music. While there he met the man who was to have the greatest influence on his career - Michael Carvin. Carvin had played with such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard and other jazz greats. In addition to being a musical mentor, Carvin arranged for Larry's audition for Motown legend Martha Reeves. Larry passed the audition, which led to a worldwide tour just two weeks after graduation. Eventually Larry became Reeves' musical director, coordinating the talents of a band including 8 to 10 horn players at any given time.

Larry's association with Martha Reeves was the start of an impressive career that has included working with international superstars in a variety of genres such as Elton John, The Four Tops, Dakota Staton, Ruth Brown, Japanese superstar Kohei Otomo, Houston Person & Etta Jones, Korean pop diva Shin Hyo Bim, New Jersey's Billy Hector and blues slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth along with a host of the hottest bands in the New York area. Larry has performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world such as the Apollo Theatre, Madison Square Garden, Three River Stadium, London's Royal Albert hall and Wembley Arena to name a few.

Larry has also won many awards including Outstanding Individual Performance (Berklee School of Music, Boston Regional Winner), Louis Bellson/Singerland National Drum Contest (Outstanding Soloist) and the Freehold, NJ Jazz Band Festival Louis Armstrong Award.

Along the way Larry has made time to write and produce two drum instruction books. One, Drum Set Rudiments, was endorsed by Dennis Chambers and superstar Phil Collins who said, "This is the kind of thing that new, young drummers need!" Larry's second book, The Left Hand, was called "The answer to all your problems!" by Modern Drummer m agazine. Larry has also produced an instructional video titled Tips For The Beginner. These books and video are available at most music stores. The video is a hit with young drummers because it contains exciting live footage from around the world as well as utilizing humorous elements, which make learning fun. Larry also teaches drum seminars throughout the U.S., Tokyo and London.

Besides numerous television appearances on CNN, The Today Show, NBC, London's BBC, Larry has been interviewed in over 50 newspapers and magazines in the U.S. and abroad. Larry has also appeared in two feature movies, "One Way Out" and the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame rockumentary Hellhound On My Trail.

In December 1999 Larry released an instrumental CD of meditative/relaxation music titled Peace and Serenity, which featured his keyboard playing on the track "Mount Fugi."

Crock Pott was formed just one week before performing at the Hennessey Best Of Detroit Jazz competition in 1993, for which the band won first prize. It's been a great ride ever since. It's certain that after listening to this disc, you too will join the Larry Crockett fan club. Larry's playing hits you all at once in your head, your feet and your heart because that's where he plays from.