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"Orpheus in the Underworld for Guitar, Orchestra and Singing Bowl, Hauntings for Orchestra, Arising for Orchestra, In the Twilight Kingdom for String Orchestra, Meditation for Orchestra, Overture to Faust, J.D. for Orchestra, Suite for Prague for Flute, Alto Saxophone and Guitar. Smoot is another fine example of a very prevalent trend in contemporary American music: composers of basically tonal, more-or less conventional music of genuine quality which succeeds on its own terms while neither attempting nor achieving a presence on the boundaries of musical history while holding down an academic career frequently involving research into the latest musical techniques. This ensures the availability of the widest possible range of compositional methods, but as here the actual music largely falls under the neo-romantic umbrella, directly emotionally expressive and often quasi-programmatic. The three big orchestral works are powerful and evocative (Hauntings, a 9/11 piece, is especially vivid and expressive), all sharing a vigorous and colorful, full-blooded quality which is highly satisfying." (Records International)