Tom Surowicz, Minneapolis Star Tribune:
"Since this CD starts out with Chick Corea's Crystal Silence,' listeners might expect a long set of ethereal, ruminative solo piano. But when McDonough, keyboardist for Bozo Allegro, attacks the keys midway into the tune, it becomes clear that serenity is just one of his goals here. The album is a fertile exercise in overhauling, retooling and refashioning familiar themes. Vince Guaraldi's Linus and Lucy' becomes moody and meandering. John Coltrane's Giant Steps' inspires McDonough's freewheeling and soulful title track. McDonough's ... darn good at thinking on his feet. On Eric Clapton's Layla,' he slyly quotes songs by George Harrison, whose then-wife Patti was Clapton's inspiration for the song. It's the oddest, and best, version since John Fahey and Terry Robb tackled the epic on two acoustic guitars in 1984."
"Jazz spotlight: Beat Happening"
By Tom Surowicz, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"RECOMMENDED: A thoughtful, provocative pianist who, ... like [Patricia] Barber -- turns familiar tunes inside out. Larry McDonough [plays] Chick Corea, Vince Guaraldi, Eric Clapton and Miles Davis pieces [on] his intriguing solo disc Small Steps."
