Album Notes

Welcome to the World of Moodafaruka!

Moodafaruka - Mood of The Dance A "faruka" (farruca) is a flamenco style of dance. We've combined it with the word mood, to create a new word that means mood of the dance. (We hope one day Websters will agree with us).

Professional guitarist Rom Ryan has performed throughout the country, and has lived in Houston TX since 1988.

Rom preformed as a solo artist and was also a regular opening act at Rockefeller's concert hall. Rom made 2 solo CD's and in 1993, his CD - "Mysteria" was the 5th most added CD on Adult Contemporary Radio for 4 weeks.

In 1991 and 1992 Rom was voted "Best Guitarist" by the Public News reader's poll. While being recognized as a solo guitarist, Rom was ready to bring other musicians into his compositions.

Having played with a number of fine musicians, it wasn't until 1999 that he got reunited with his long time friend Terrence Karn to form what would ultimately become Moodafaruka. Terrence had been living in Hawaii for 8 years when in 1999, he was hired to teach a "World Dance" summer class at the Houston Ballet Academy. Did we mention that Terrence studied dance at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, as well as hand drums at the Ali Akbar Khan School in California? Upon his arrival in Houston, he re-connected with Rom, and they organized a performance at Diverseworks. Here they played to an excited sold-out audience! The enthusiastic response inspired them to continue performing together throughout the summer. These performances were the foundation from which Moodafaruka began.


In 1999 Moodafaruka recorded their first CD - "La Luna Lounge." The CD received rave reviews and excellent radio play around the globe and has since sold thousands of copies!


The Expansion of Moodafaruka - On New Year's Eve of 2000, the world of Moodafaruka expanded when bassist Arlandus Chimney walked through Rom's door, and declared himself Moodafaruka's bass player. Arlandus is one of the best musicians in Houston. His incredible talent as a singer and a bass player has made a significant contribution to Moodafaruka's arrangements.

The band continued to expand when Terrence brought the amazing violin talent of Maryann Willis to Moodafaruka. Maryann not only brings a mastery of gypsy violin that fits right in with Moodafaruka's compositions but she also plays with great technical expertise. Maryann wrote all of Mel Bay's Books on gypsy violin. Maryann plays with a passion that is only achieved by the finest musicians in the industry.

In 2001, Moodafaruka recorded their 2nd CD - Zazu. Zazu has received excellent reviews and has also sold thousands of copies around the nation.

Moodafaruka's newest band member is the experienced and talented rhythm guitarist, Katja Grimm. Katja is an excellent guitarist and complements Rom's leads with her beautifully constructed rhythms and was exactly what Moodafaruka needed to complete their unique sound.

Moodafaruka is pleased to announce the completion of their latest compilations "Blame It On The Moon."

Sit back and enjoy the amazing music of Moodafaruka!

PO Box 542052 | Houston, Texas 77254 | 713-524-8540
www.Moodafaruka.com Mail@Moodafaruka.com