Although based in Houston, TX, Moodafaruka, led by guitarist Rom Ryan, are a world music group combining flamenco, Middle Eastern, and Spanish styles. Ryan, who settled in Houston in 1988, made two solo albums before teaming with percussionist Terrence Karn to form Moodafaruka. He invented the name by altering the spelling of the word "farruca," a flamenco style of dance, and adding "mood," saying that Moodafaruka therefore meant "mood of the dance." The group recorded its first album, La Luna Lounge, released by Orchard on March 27, 2000. They then added musicians, bringing in bassist/vocalist Arlandus Chimney and violinist Maryann Willis. In this configuration, they recorded their second album, Zazu, released on February 19, 2002. By the time of the third album, Blame It on the Moon, released by Ariel Music Group in 2005, guitarist Katja Grimm had joined. The Megawave label assembled a compilation album, Essential Moodafaruka, for release on March 18, 2008. It featured two new tracks performed by Ryan, Grimm, and percussionist Aaron Hermes. ~ William Ruhlmann