This is a delicate brew; folk, punk, jazz, metal, balkan, surf, rock ... i can go on like this for a while, without even get close to a accurate desciption, but whatever ...... it's a true pleasant musical joyride .
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"Chameleon in Disguise" (Self-produced; 2006)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter



I was lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity to review Rullian’s debut CD, “Is This My Guitar or An Albatross?”, way back in 2002. As we move forward and 2006 comes to a close I am happy to have the pleasure of reviewing Rullian’s latest effort, “Chameleon In Disguise.”

As was indicated on “Is This My Guitar or An Albatross” Raoul’s creativity knows no bounds – “Chameleon In Disguise” is more evidence of that. Raoul has the skills and knowledge to exploit that creativity into unique nuggets of musical sound. He likes to describe his efforts as music for the soundtrack minded – not that I disagree, but what I hear is sonic ruminations melded and orchestrated into joyful, often playful, songs.  Sonic territory explored includes everything from rave-ups, to swinging jazz, to sweet ballads, to bouncing funk, to quasi-techno outbursts, to various forms of world music, and straight-ahead rockers – it’s all included on “Chameleon In Disguise.”

Certain tracks herk and jerk like involuntary spasms – and I mean that in the best way possible. Whether a seamless transition or a deliberate attempt to infuse the listener with juxtaposed sound, “Chameleon In Disguise” begs to be heard. It’s an imaginative tour de force. I’m not culturally adept and I would be an absolutely failure at “Name That Tune.” As such, I’m sure there are musical references to TV show themes, commercial jingles, and other similar and familiar melodies that just completely escape me at the moment.

Rullian’s “Chameleon In Disguise” would be a welcome addition to the CD collection of any fan who appreciates instrumental music.

Support a good cause – all proceeds (not just profits) from the sale of “Chameleon In Disguise” go to the Humane Society.

Rullian is Raoul kicking ass at most everything. Assistance provided by Charlie Alvarez on bass, Chris Williams on bass, Luke Kelly on piano and keyboards, Ann Hackman on violin and viola, Chris LeRoy on piano and keyboards, and Will Bagby on drums and bongos.
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A great disc with a LOT of music. Clearly metal influenced (somebody listens to a lot of Vai and Satriani) but not as over-the-top..and better cuz of it. Lots of varied styles-but still retains rockish feel. Almost Sunset is one of my girlfriend's favorite songs EVER. Very cool.
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It is rare that I would do what I am about to do, but here we go:

Where did this Rullian character come from, who the hell does he think he is, where has he been, and why haven’t we more heard of him until now?

Steve Vai’s "Flex–able" and Joe Satriani’s "Surfing With Aliens" give birth.

Hot and sweaty sex on a guitar.

An absolute joy to listen to.

A guitarist that has fun blindly doodling across fretboards and styles, but seems entirely confident at what will end up on the DAT tape.

The guitarist of the decade crawls in from the underground.

And in all seriousness, this is the finest guitar album I have heard in years. And the irony of it is that Raoul Rañoa slapped this CD together as a bunch of music that vocalists just couldn’t use or follow. The result is a mixed salad of world music and American rock influences converging as one of the most unexpected, but most entertaining guitar albums I have ever heard. There is not one note on this disc that I cringe at or draw a yawn from. The first couple tracks had me captured.

Rañoa admits in the liner–notes that the music offered here would not have been so successful if it were not from all his friend musicians that contributed their portions. The amount of talent crammed onto this one piece of plastic is almost unnerving. And proceeds from the sale of this CD go to charity, the Redlands Humane Society in California.

Maybe it’s the fact that most of the seventeen songs on this album are shorter than your average guitar opus. Maybe it’s the diverse world mix of music, from Caribbean to jazz to blues to swing to metal to balladry (the appropriately titled "The Big Soft" and "When Angels Get Their Wings"). Maybe it’s the fact that I was not expecting this music from this far out of the blue. And maybe it’s because this album manages to be a guitar showcase and a melodic joyride at the same time. I mean, this guy is having fun here! He’s not trying to shred his way into your respect. He is simply playing some damn enjoyable music, and smartly.

Whatever the reason for this CD to sound as great as it does to my ears, if you enjoy instrumental guitar albums at all, then this is the next addition to your collection. And yes, this CD is appropriately available from Guitar9.com’s vast collection of guitar albums. Now, let’s hear what he can do in a full band (with vocals), soon!

— by Wes Royer, the Editor 
http://www.openupandsay.com/reviews/editor/rullian1.cfm
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