From Dirty Linen Folk Music Magazine

Musical Pictures is Smith's second release and is a very aptly named all-instrumental tape. The Pasadena, California resident presents a real musical potpourri here. He's predominately an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist, somewhat Kottke-esque in approach, but has a broader range to his style than "just" an acoustic fingerpicker. This tape kicks off with a red herringÑa very layered, heavily delayed/reverbed electric guitar piece. After that one though, he pretty much steers a course of acoustic pieces--a nice slide guitar workout, a fingerpicked composition, then a banjo tune. Other that the first song, he stays close to these instrumental approaches. This might be too eclectic for some. I liked it, though one might ask, "Is he a space musician, or a banjo picker or what?" basically he is an artist of many hats.

From the Boston Phoenix

Tom Smith may be one of America"s finest unknown acoustic guitarists. For this album the Bay Area picker has put together 13 solo pieces, played on banjo, bottleneck slide or his own homemade acoustic, and utilizing a variety of tunings that would do John Fahey proud. Semi-improvisational soundscapes like these are rarely overwhelming, yet Smith"s do have their subtle charm.

From Jazz/New Age artists Tuck and Patti.

So many people play acoustic guitar that it's practically impossible to have an individual style. Yet I always know Tom Smith's unique playing within the first few seconds of hearing him play guitar or banjo. His compositions are wonderful and uniquely his. "Musical Pictures" is one of only a handful of albums that invite me to forget who I am and get lost in Tom Smith's creative vision.