Search - Radim Zenkl :: Czech It Out

Zenkl is a mandolin monster

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The opening cut on this album helped win Radim Zenkl the 1992 US Natl. Mandolin Championship. This guy's playing is phenomenal. The album is a solo mandolin project, but there's plenty of variety on it since Zenkl uses other instruments from the mandolin family, and he also can sound like multiple instruments with his duo style. I really enjoy his creativity and innovation. Zenkl is special because he also has the technical skills to be able to communicate his musical creativity to us for our listening pleasure and enjoyment."

Emotion tops his technique

Pharoah S. Wail | Inner Space | 04/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Unbelievable technical ability" and "Radim Zenkl" are always paired together. While he does have the most extraordinary mandolin technique I have ever heard, technique isn't what makes this a great cd. What makes this cd great are the songs. This cd is not just a guy saying "I can do this and you can't!". The depth and beauty of the music on this cd is gorgeous. ANNIE LITTLE SOUL is just a truly beautiful composition. ROCK SLIDE AREA has moments where Radim coaxes these pretty little quiet moments out of his instrument that sound like they shouldn't even be able to come out of an instrument that isn't electric.JOHANN DO BANJOLIN is a very interesting tune, it's a small Baroque composition that is just great to hear on the mando-banjo since it is the type of music that is normally only played on a harpsichord.Whether it's the American Fiddle type of tune like HAPPY GRASS or the great traditional tunes of Radim's homeland such as ANNIE LITTLE SOUL and the track 9 medley this is a true work of art. If Radim wasn't around it'd take two or three mandolinists together to play this music but even then it wouldn't have the emotion that he has, and the world would miss out on his wonderful compositions."