Shaun Ruymen

outh Jersey native and current central Jersey resident SHAUN RUYMEN was my most recent guest on ROCK ON RADIO. This singer/songwriter whose talent exceeds his experience, is one of the good guys in music.

Playing guitar for less than a decade and doing so "to meet girls," RUYMEN has managed to surround himself with quality musicians that have served to only enhance his abilities. One time member of local band Almost Green, he honed his songwriting skills while contributing to their success.

Over the last couple of years he's been performing solo as well as with members from his former band. His first solo EP, "LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE," is only a microcosm of his true talent.

Listing his influences as Jason Mraz and Rob Thomas, among others, his vocal styling is very reminiscent of both. This is quite apparent on "LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE" as RUYMEN's vocals take precedent over all else on the EP.

Throughout his appearance on the program, numerous listeners commented and complimented his voice. There is also an element of soul in RUYMEN's voice that creates a very soothing blend on the EP in both his lighter side ("Emma"), as well as the more upbeat title track ("Luckiest Man Alive").

Performing both as a solo artist, as well as with a band, RUYMEN prefers the band atmosphere. Amassing a network of backing musicians, he's able to pick and choose from a "pool" of players that are willing to back him at a moment's notice.

A fan favorite of many local acoustic showcases and open mics, RUYMEN also plays many area bars and festivals. Next weekend he'll be performing at the Cape May Music Conference taking the stage at Aleathea's in the Cape May Inn on Friday, March 26.

To see a complete list of where you can find SHAUN RUYMEN, you can do so at www.shaunruymen.com or www.myspace.com/shaunruymen.

This Sunday, March 21, my guest is Jersey shore-area resident and major touring musician GARY OLEYAR! This amazing talent has toured with many well-known national acts. - Danny Coleman, Rock ON Radio

Shaun Ruymen hails from old burg of Princeton and, like his Ivy Leagued home town, he shows some upper class performance and style with his newest EP titled Luckiest Man Alive. Now, I’m not sure if that title pertains to his personal situation or his chosen profession, but if it has anything to do with his music, he’s got a good head start in the fortune department.

Ruymen demonstrates seasoned pop sensibilities here, mixing acoustic guitars with funk-inspired beats, bass, and strings while making good use of dynamic space. If you’re a fan of Jack Johnson or California’s Matt Costa, then this will appeal to your audio sensibilities. The production of Pat Noon (NBC Sports, Warner Brothers Records, Wu-Tang/Think Differently Corp) is crisp and clean, the writing is focused and the vocals are somewhere just east of Jason Mraz territory.

Luckiest Man Alive offers contemporary beats and bass—not quite dance—but heading that way fast with infused blues riffs and acoustic guitar trills throughout. Vocally his style here reminds me of a bouncy, fun-filled party vibe courtesy of John Mayer.

Disc standout “Emma” is a ballad-paced tune from the school of James Taylor and Jeff Buckley. Pianos mesh well with warm cellos and tight rhythms, taking dynamic license in the form of piano and string builds that flow smoothly into a fairly raucous pre-chorus. Once it hits the chorus it’s steady to the end.

I had the opportunity to catch Ruymen live recently and while the sound system was a bit rickety, he’s someone I would see again at a better venue that has a good PA system. - John Pfeiffer, The Aquarian

"Shaun Ruymen's music gives listeners a look inside the mind of an ordinary guy. His writing is refreshing and reminds audiences they are not alone in the ups and downs of ordinary life...Armed with a powerful voice, intense energy, and genuine heart, Shaun Ruymen is the not-so-ordinary performance you don't want to miss!" - Small World Coffee