Search - Radim Zenkl :: Restless Joy

Music and Mandolin Mastery!

Benita Kenn | Northern California | 03/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Restless Joy presents the listener with a lovely journey through ever-changing musical scenery, moods and emotions. Radim Zenkl's original music is extraordinary. It's sweet and happy and haunting and heartbreaking ... and often, all within one song! I can't stop playing this CD. These diverse and amazing melodies and arrangements all come from the creative, magical realm of Radim's many mandolins. Although I can honestly say that I think every cut on this CD is fantastic, I do have several personal favorites. "Twin Peaks" is an exhilarating romp that nicely demonstrates Radim's nimble, exact and expressive playing, accompanied by Richard Mandel's DADGAD guitar arrangement. "Aurora Borealis" is a solo mandola piece, almost classical in nature, but weaving in and out of minor and major keys in an evocative, almost seductive manner. I, personally, had never heard "slide mandolin" played before I heard "At the End of Summer" ...which, by the way, is a perfect tune for driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California on a clear, sunny day. (That's exactly what I was doing when I heard this song ...I felt like I was in a movie with a great soundtrack!) The tone and mood of "Last Call", an Irish bouzouki solo, suits the title perfectly. It practically conjures up a Frank Sinatra-like character, with his coat slung over his shoulder leaving the bar much too late at night ... alone. Another bouzouki solo, "Home Away From Home" has a deep yearning to it ... somewhat melancholy, yet resigned in the end. It's stirring, and tender, and sad. If a song can move me to tears, I know it's great. And I can't finish my "favorites list" without mentioning "Firewood," a rousing, joyful, spirited song that features Radim on nylon string mandolin, Leo Churn on piano, Michael Manring on bass, John Hanes on drums, and Suzanne Teng on piccolo. This song makes me want to get up and dance around the room. (But don't try this while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway.) All but one of the 13 cuts on Restless Joy were composed by Radim Zenkl. And as much as Radim has clearly demonstrated his superlative performing talents on the variety of mandolins he plays, I believe this CD equally demonstrates what a gifted composer he is. His music is a joy ... though I wasn't restless for one minute while listening to it. If you haven't guessed it by now ... I highly recommend Restless Joy!"

Fantastic Picking

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

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Radim Zenkl never ceases to amaze me. I have all of his albums. Each has its own special quality, and Reckless Joy is currently my favorite. Why? Because it's cutting edge, and Zenkl can get so much sound, emotion and sentiment out of his mandolins, mandola and Irish bouzouki. Zenkl doesn't hold back. He's always pushing the musical envelope...painting new aural scenes with his mando-virtuosity. What a treat to hear such clean and innovative picking! There's not a note on this album that I didn't like. I can hardly wait for Radim Zenkl's next project."

Prepare for a musical joyride!!! Radim Rocks

Clinton Duch | Sacramento, CA | 01/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a mandolinist, I found myself more and more isolated playing styles other than folk...Radim has opened the world of music to the mandolin, and he's so freakin awesome, that nobody can clown him about it. I've had the opportunity to study from Radim. His tunes, his manner, and thoughts are pure inspiration for a musical mind, and this album is a blend of all that he's worked up for. SO BUY HIS ALBUM!! It's incredible!!"