HOUSTON, TX & Surrounding
Alicia Gianni
Alicia Gianni, whose performances have been described as “charming, impressive” and “powerfully real,” has enjoyed success on both operatic and jazz stages, including being nominated for Houston’s Best Jazz Vocalist in the Houston Press Music Awards.
Texas Eagles
Since their formation in 2019, the Texas Eagles have quickly risen to become Houston's premier Eagles tribute band. Performing the biggest hits by the best-selling American rock band of all time, the Texas Eagles, with their unmistakable vocal harmonies and expert musicianship, appeal to audiences of all ages as they perform the Eagles' heartfelt ballads and rock anthems that everyone knows and loves.
Anthony Caceres
During an era when talented male jazz singers and crooners are scarce, the arrival of singer-bassist Anthony Caceres on the scene is a welcome event. He sings lyrics with warmth and a full understanding of the words, both his singing and his bass playing swing easily, and his band is excellent.
The name “Caceres” is a legendary one in the jazz world. Anthony’s grandfather Emilio Caceres was a major swing violinist who worked with Harry James and Jack Teagarden in addition to leading his own Latin orchestra, while his great uncle Ernie Caceres played solos on baritone sax and clarinet with the original Glenn Miller Orchestra and the freewheeling groups of Eddie Condon. “My father used to talk about them,” remembers Anthony. “By my late teens, I knew about their great musical legacy.”
Anthony Caceres was born in San Antonio, Texas. While he loved the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and the singing of Philip Bailey and Maurice White, the only singing that he did in his early life was in the elementary school choir in fifth grade. Since his father and brother played saxophone, as did his great uncle, Anthony began playing alto when he was in middle school. He switched to electric bass to join a friend’s rock band while in high school and later focused more on acoustic bass. After serving in the Navy, he attended San Antonio Community College, playing with their jazz band, a Latin jazz group, and a trio at a local French restaurant. Caceres enrolled at the University of North Texas while in his late twenties, getting the opportunity to play with many talented young musicians in what he remembers as a very rewarding experience. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies in 2003.
Right after college, Caceres began a two-year stint working with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, getting a chance to record an album with the group. “It was a real thrill knowing that my great uncle was in the original band.” He also had an opportunity to tour with the off-Broadway musical production of Miss Saigon and performed with the Four Aces, Freddie Jones, Ed Soph, Marvin Stamm, Bill Mays, Greg Abate and the late Carl Fontana.
Caceres left the Glenn Miller Orchestra when he reached the crossroads of his career. “For years I wanted to be a singer and I finally decided that it was time to form my own group and pursue my dreams. In late 2007, I put together my band and started gigging.” Inspired by such singers as Chet Baker, Johnny Hartman, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Cullum, Caceres developed a warm conversational style. He also mastered the knack of singing while simultaneously playing bass.
His new album, Don’t Call It Love, includes a joyful version of “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To,” (which has a particularly inventive bass solo by Caceres), “Wives And Lovers,” Stevie Wonder’s “Golden Lady,” “Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me,” the relatively obscure but memorable “Don’t Call It Love,” and “Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars.” The results are fresh, swinging, and easily enjoyable.
Anthony Caceres is featured regularly with his trio at Eddie Vs, the Fedora Lounge, and other venues in the Houston area. “In the future, I look forward to performing and recording more, touring with my group, and playing at jazz festivals.”
Belly Dancer Jenny Trimmer
Jenny Trimmer is an acclaimed professional dancer specializing in Belly Dance as well as disciplines encompassing traditions from the Arab, Indian, African, Latin and Spanish world, blending them with a variety of Western forms such as modern, jazz, ballet, and ballroom, resulting in stunning performances appropriate for everything from intimate gatherings to theatrical productions.
For over 5 years, she has delighted audiences at the Texas Renaissance Festival, incorporating sword balancing, fire dancing, veil spinning, dancing on top of drums, and many other unusual treats, resulting in a visually mesmerizing experience!
A native Texan, Jenny has been fascinated by unusual dance styles since she was introduced to oriental dance at the age of 8. Her discovery of Tribal Fusion belly dance in 2005 convinced her that this art form was ideal for those who want to freely express their multi-cultural individualities as it allows one to develop movement vocabulary from dances originating around the world.
Through her many studies in Europe and Latin America, she has taken bits of each culture that she connected with and was inspired by. As a result of her fascination and experiences with dance and movement, she has formed her own unique style of fusion.
This multifaceted dancer’s performances are mesmerizing, displaying a fluidity and style that leaves audiences in awe, while illuminating the empowering motion and energy of the female form. Through her dance, she hopes that she will help people to feel out their own emotions and be at peace.
Jenny graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a Bachelor degree in Communications and International Studies. Her senior thesis was on Orientalism and the Modern Morphology of Oriental Dance.
Brazilian Express
Brazilian Express is an exciting Brazilian music ensemble co-led by master percussionist Cassio Duarte and award-winning guitarist Gabriel Santiago.
Born in Brazil, Cassio Duarte recently moved to the Houston area from Los Angeles, where he performed with some of the biggest names in Pop, Jazz, and Brazilian music, including Sergio Mendes, Chaka Khan, Joao Bosco, Gilberto Gil, Melissa Manchester, Lee Rittenour, and many more. Cassio's percussion talents can also be heard on the hit TV show “Survivor,” as well as many other movies and TV shows.
Also born in Brazil, guitarist Gabriel Santiago is an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award Winner with 14 critically-acclaimed albums to his credit. Called by JazzTimes Magazine “a young master at both the acoustic and electric guitars” and his compositions defined as “stunners”, Santiago holds a Doctoral Degree in Music Composition from the University of Texas at Austin, where he won the 2013 Outstanding Dissertation Award and the 2010 Eleanor A. Stribling Award for Excellence in Jazz Studies.
Cloris Grimes' Sax Magic
Sax Magic features saxophonist, flautist, keyboardist, and composer Cloris Grimes, who has become one of Houston's hottest musicians. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Cloris attended Florida A&M University, where he was a member of the world famous “Marching 100,” before going on to with with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Michael Jackson, The O'Jays, The Manhattans, The Dells, Millie Jackson, and Betty Wright.
Cloris' talent has taken him around the world to such places as Africa, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, and every major city in the U.S. His is presently working on his first project as a solo artist. His rich, mellow tone and jazzy, bluesy style is sure to satisfy everyone with an appetite for some great Sax Magic!
Danielle Reich
Multi-faceted vocalist Danielle Reich starts with a foundation of Jazz standards, then draws freely from an eclectic array of French Chanson (a la Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel), Gypsy Swing (a la Django Reinhardt), and Jazz-interpreted Pop selections (a la everything from Leonard Cohen to Radiohead). Audiences are delighted by Danielle's pure vocal presence and straight-from-the-heart interpretations.
Danielle's recent performance highlights include headlining the Alliance Française d'Austin Bastille Day celebration, as well as being a featured artist at the prestigious Passport France music series in Austin.
Danielle Reich is one of those rare artists who possesses “a musical approach as perfectly balanced and graceful as her classically-informed and jazz-honed mezzo voice.” ~C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Danny McKnight
A veteran jazz guitarist, Danny McKnight has spent recent years devoted to the craft of 7 string guitar mastery. Danny has had a wealth of performing experience in intimate jazz duos including work with guitarists Ray Wilson & Clayton Dyess, various top horn players, & most notably accompaniment of vocalists Mickey Mosely and Diane Landry. Danny also worked a great deal with steel guitar legend Herb Remington playing western swing in The Swingfield Playboys band.
Besides his extensive teaching career in the Greater Houston area at institutions including Houston Community College & Lee College, Danny is also a top call solo guitarist & sideman. He has played with various big bands in Houston including Ed Gerlach’s Big Band, Phil Gray’s Big Band & The Bayou Big Band that was the featured act at the Yucatan Jazz Festival in Mexico in 2007. He was also part of the 1997 Honor Band that performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention in Chicago that year. He has also had the pleasure of playing with the Baytown Symphony.
Throughout the years he has collaborated with legendary artists and instructors including Bucky Pizzarelli, Mike Nase, Jim Liu, Gerald Blakeman, Joe LoCascio & Dennis Dotson.You can see Danny performing full time throughout the Houston area.
David Caceres
Houston-based vocalist/saxophonist David Caceres offers a rare combination: a soulful, emotive voice with the ability to connect with any audience, and the skill as an alto saxophonist that rivals the best players in jazz. Caceres' raw talent and natural charisma make him a sure bet to cross boundaries and please of all types of listeners with his tasteful combination of Jazz, R&B, and Pop. Featuring an impressive lineup of some of the world's finest musicians (who just happen to currently reside in Houston), David Caceres is a uniquely talented artist with great passion and vision.
Debbie Forrest
Debbie Forrest began her music career in Nashville in 2004 with the release of her first album “Long Ride Home.” In 2008 Debbie moved home to Texas, and now plays regularly all over the state, as well as venturing back out on tours to Nashville and elsewhere across the U.S. In addition to being a stellar solo performer, she also is a part of the Americana group The Grievous Angels. In 2011 Debbie released her second album “The Train Song.” Its tracks are deeply moving, melodic and captivating. Debbie’s songs, much like her life, are rooted in faith and burned by trial. The Train Song is a singer/songwriter album at heart but has soul like Texas Red Dirt music. She sings songs of both despair & redemption, and radiates joy and energy. Debbie’s joy, like her music, is contagious. Come watch her and you just might catch it!
Dehner Franks
Pianist/vocalist Dehner Franks delights audiences with his tasteful renditions of a variety of pop and jazz standards. His considerable vocal and piano skills are showcased to maximum effect as he combines equal doses of soul, swing, and funk in his entertaining mix of familiar tunes that everyone enjoys. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Dehner recently relocated to Houston, Texas from Las Vegas, where his Nat King Cole tribute show at Cesar's Palace played to rave reviews. Dehner’s repertoire features great tunes from the classic swing era as well as pop classics, R&B covers, and smooth jazz.
D.R.U.M.
D.R.U.M., which stands for Divine Rhythm, United Motion, is one of Houston's most unique groups. Drawing from a diverse pool of African influences, the group is known in some circles as a great Reggae act, even though what they really do involves the creation of a tightly played mix of Sambazulu, Funk, Yoruba, Jazz, Ashanti, Kongo, and Binghi. And Reggae. And a lot more. But if that's too much to remember, feel free to do as they band sometimes does—just call it "African Rock."
D.R.U.M. is a hit at Houston-area venues as well as on the national festival circuit, which has included performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and at New York's African Street Festival. The band's infectious tribal beats and boundless energy prove time after time that African music covers a whole lot of ground, just like the continent it comes from.
Angelucho's Copacabana
Angel “Angelucho” Bermudez has long been Houston’s most elegant Salsa artist and boasts one of the most commanding voices on the scene — a graceful baritone that handles lively Salsa tunes with verve. His vibrant interpretations of the hot modern Latin rhythms with resonating brass and piano runs hearkens back to the golden age of Cuban music in the 1950s.
Grupo Batachá
The word “Batachá” is Afro-Cuban slang for “fun times,” and that's exactly what happens when Grupo Batachá performs, evoking the flavor of the Caribbean with their hot mix of fiery salsa, sweet boleros, fast merengues, and traditional cumbias. Singing in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, the band is the real deal, consisting of musicians from Cuba, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Grupo Batachá has been called “Houston's Premier Latin Band,” and when you hear their fun rhythms and sultry sounds, you're sure to agree!
Guillermo Serpas
Guillermo Serpas is a Nuevo Flamenco guitarist whose unique style combines a fusion of Spanish Guitar, Latin Jazz, and World Music.
Born in San Salvador, Guillermo studied classical guitar under the tutelage of Maestro Candido Morales, a close friend and disciple of Paraguayan guitar legend, Agustin Barrios. In 1983, the Serpas family relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a move that introduced the young musician to a variety of classical, jazz, rock and Top 40 sounds. As a teenager, Guillermo played jazz, rock and blues in local bands. He also joined his high-school concert band as a clarinet player, and played electric guitar in the school's jazz band.
In 1992, Guillermo attended the University of Calgary, and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor's degree in Music. Soon after, he formed a guitar duo with his older brother Roberto. The duo toured across Western Canada, producing a successful CD titled “Serpas Brothers” in 1999. After the duo dissolved, Guillermo continued playing and debuted his first solo album in August, 2001, titled “Guillermo.” Calgary's Music Disk magazine's reviewer called it “the best Latin solo album I've heard all year.”
New musical opportunities took Guillermo to Orlando, Florida, where he collaborated and performed with Latino musicians from Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico and Spain. After releasing “Mi Sol y Mi Luna” in August of 2006, Guillermo relocated to Houston, where he currently is a hit performer at many venues. His new CD “Guitarra Bohemia,” released in June 2010, is a collection of 10 original compositions. On this recording, Guillermo is backed by his band, consisting of some of Houston's finest musicians on bass and percussion.
Herman Lee
Pianist Herman Lee has worked as a performing musician for over 40 years, specializing in Jazz Standards, R&B and Gospel. A native Houstonian with a double B.A. degree in Music Performance and Education from Houston Baptist University, Herman also has a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas Southern University. Herman taught music for 15 years in several area schools before retiring from education after serving as a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Herman is also the proud father of two world class musicians – son Brandon Lee plays trumpet and teaches at the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York, and son Daleton Lee is one of Houston’s most in-demand drummers.
Hollimon Express
Drummer Marl Hollimon, son of the late Houston blues legend Clarence Hollimon, carries on his dad's musical tradition with Hollimon Express. Playing a variety of "Oldie's but Goodies" from the 50's through the 70's, the band is always a crowd favorite, featuring hits covering Soul, Blues, R&B, Motown, Country, Zydeco, Jazz, and more. The band has some impressive Soul/R&B credentials: Bassist and lead vocalist Arbordin Deloney played with soul legend Isaac Hayes' band, and guitarist Russell Lamb was formerly with R&B great Johnny Taylor. Hollimon Express will have everyone on the dance floor as they bring back great memories with their back-to-back good-time oldies.
Jeff Magnus
Saxophonist Jeff Magnus grew up in Venice, California, and his playing echoes the smooth serenity of the balmy Southern California weather, as well as the eclectic atmosphere of the Venice Boardwalk scene. Now calling Houston home, Jeff cites Kenny Garrett, Warren Hill, and Kirk Whalum as his biggest influences on the sax. His smooth, full sound always proves to be an audience-pleasing delight.
Jerry Sanchez
Jerry Sanchez is a pianist, keyboardist, and accordionist known for his fluent virtuosity in Jazz, Zydeco, Latin, and Pop music. Born to a musical family in McAllen, Texas, Jerry began learning the accordion and piano when he was 7. By the time he was 11, he was touring professionally with his uncleﾒs band, Los Sputniks, performing at venues along the northern Mexican and southern U.S. Border.
Jerry went on to perform with several well-known Mexican pop vocalists, including Lupita D’Alessio, Dulce Maria, and Valeria Lynch. He has also been a featured soloist with various jazz groups at major festivals across the U.S. and in Mexico. Jerry currently divides his time between performing locally, touring nationally and internationally, and producing musical projects at his recording studio in Houston.
Joe Carmouche
Guitarist Joe Carmouche is one of the most popular and in-demand performers on the Houston jazz scene. Twice nominated by The Houston Press for Best Jazz Artist, Joe received an Honorary Gold Record from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his outstanding work in the music industry.
Joe has performed with many major jazz recording artists, including Joe Sample, Kenny Burrell, Kirk Whalum, Najee, Mikki Howard, Everette Harp, Kyle Turner, Michael Ward, and many others.
Joe currently teaches Music Theory & Guitar at Henry F. MacGregor Elementary, a Music Magnet School in the Houston Independent School District.
Joel Guzman, Sarah Fox & Los Aztex
Los Aztex is a new breed of Latin band, drawing from Hispanic influences around the world. The 5-piece group is led by Joel Guzman (Grammy-winning accordionist/producer/arranger) and Sarah Fox (singer/songwriter). Los Aztex is extremely familiar with the Tejano musical styles of Central and South Texas but also incorporates traditional rhythms of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama and elsewhere, forming a unique bilingual blend.
Sarah Fox has the expressive, versatile voice of a jazz singer, which lends its skills beautifully to the “caliente” Latin themes. The music’s melodic twists are timed to accentuate Sarah’s excellent grace. Joel Guzman has been called brilliant, extraordinary, a genius. He began dazzling audiences and fellow musicians with his unique accordion artistry as a child prodigy, causing established and respected accordion players to christen him, at an early age, "El Pequeño Gigante" (The Little Giant).
Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox continue to perform their music with power and grace. Together, their musical excursions have forged a unique partnership which is the strength behind Los Aztex.
John Acevedo
Guitar virtuoso John Acevedo started training at the early age of fourteen and has now been composing and playing guitar for over twenty-five years. In the beginning of his music career, John performed as a singer/songwriter. However, exposure to the styles of artists like the Gypsy Kings, Jose Feliciano and Ottmar Liebert inspired John to concentrate his abilities on composing his own instrumental guitar music. John has developed a unique style. His original compositions may be considered Flamenco Jazz or Nouveau Flamenco. He has taken the traditional flamenco sound and developed a soulful contemporary kind of music.
Some noteworthy pieces begin in a fast traditional fashion then evolve into beautiful ballads. Most compelling are songs like “Reflections” and “Sunrise Sonata”, a melody composed in memory of his mother. The hypnotic feel of these slower compositions is nicely accompanied by fiery pieces like the passionate “Cordoba” and “Alma Latina.” John’s unique technique creates an incredible sound. It’s amazing to hear so much depth from one musician.
John showcases at clubs and festivals in and around Houston. He also performs at local restaurants, wine bars and private and corporate events. John performs as a solo artist but also enjoys getting together with other performers. John says, “the company of other musicians can take one to new places and provide zest. However, It’s the audience I always play to and whose enthusiasm keeps me keen and fresh.”
Kelly Dean
Kelly Dean is one of Houston's most sought-after musicians. Performing on piano, sax, flute, and vocals, Kelly entertains audiences with his massive repertoire of hits and obscure gems from all eras of music, covering jazz, pop, r&b, country, and Himalayan Shepherd's Lullabies. Ok, just kidding about the Himalayan Lullaby's, but with Kelly, you never know. He may just know one or two. His repertoire is that deep.
Ken Gaines
Ken Gaines is a Texas Music Awards “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” winner (2005) and is the producer of the Thursday night “Songwriters in the Round” series at Anderson Fair in Houston. A veteran performer with incredible breadth and polish, Ken is one of Texas' finest and most well-rounded songwriters. He's also known as the voice of the annual Texas Music Awards, with his regular role as the announcer for the event. He was recently featured in the film “For the Sake of the Song,” a full length documentary about Anderson Fair and its historic importance to Texas Music.
Ken tours nationally and throughout his home state of Texas. He's written songs for film, stage, and commercials, and regularly features his original songs in his captivating shows, along with choice hand-picked covers. He's a fixture at the Kerrville Folk Festival, performing as the opening feature in 2009 and featured twice in 2011. Ken teaches songwriting seminars, and his "Diet Tips for the Traveling Musician" has been featured at Folk Alliance International conferences. He's a member of the Academy of Texas Music and has two CD’s out on the prestigious Songdog record label.
The Legendary Rhythm Bandits
The band is Legendary because the players have over 100 years of combined band experience! Its Rhythm is self-evident as the beat of the drums and the thump of the bass bring crowds to their feet. The Bandits "borrow" from all genres of great music, including Classic Rock, Country, Jazz, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues. You might even hear a drop or two of hip-hop. The Legendary Rhythm Bandits will rock every type of venue, whether it's a Texas Honky-Tonk, a Rock 'n Roll Club, or a smoky Blues Bar. No matter where they play, The Legendary Rhythm Bandits are sure to entertain!
Leo Polk
Leo “The Voice” Polk brings New Orleans-style Jazz to Houston. Raised in Houston's Fifth Ward, Polk's credits include stints performing with BB King, David Ruffin, and Stevie Wonder, as well as portraying "Louis “Satchmo" Armstrong in Sweet Lorraine off-Broadway. Leo is also a long-time veteran of the famous Sunday Jazz Brunch at Brennan's restaurant in Houston. Performing a crowd-pleasing variety of Jazz, R&B, Soul, Blues, Dixieland, and Oldies, Leo Polk is a Houston treasure.
Mambo Jazz Kings
The Mambo Jazz Kings, despite what their name implies (they play neither Mambo nor Jazz) are a high energy dance band that can lay down every funky beat from Earth Wind & Fire to Beyonce. The Mambo Jazz Kings have been entertaining audiences both young and old at concerts, festivals, and night clubs for over 25 years. Featuring nine fantastic guys and one exciting lady, the band's outstanding rhythm section, powerful horn ensemble, and three vocalists will keep you moving until the very end!
Mark Towns Flamenco Fusion
Mark Towns is one of the world’s leading exponents of guitar-based instrumental Afro-Cuban Jazz, composing and performing music which blurs the lines between Latin Jazz, Flamenco, Salsa, Funk, and Fusion. With grooves inspired by traditional Latin Jazz masters Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Cal Tjader, Towns guitar work and arrangements combine the technical sophistication of jazz and flamenco with the down-to-earth feel of the blues and rock from his Texas upbringing to create something brand new. As Paul MacArthur (writer for Downbeat) says, “Mark Towns isn’t just playing Latin Jazz, he’s making sure it continues to evolve.”
Mark Towns Flamenco Jazz Guitar
Mark Towns Flamenco Jazz Guitar is the sound of mesmerizing virtuosity from one of the world's leading exponents of Latin guitar. Blending his own Spanish-influenced compositions with Brazilian, Latin, and jazz standards, Mark's music casts an aura of spellbinding magic. Multicultural references, free improvisation, Flamenco textures, and hints of psychedelia weave their way subtly through the mix, creating an elegantly mystic sonic landscape. As Houston Press observed, "Put a guitar in his hands and Mark Towns is otherworldly."
Marvin Hebert
Saxophonist Marvin Hebert has been performing contemporary music in the south Texas area for the past twenty years, playing a smooth mix of jazz and pop hits. Coming from a musical background stemming primarily from jazz, blues, and church music, Marvin has come to excel in a variety of styles. This versatility has afforded him the opportunity to share the stage with a diverse array of musical artists, including gospel singer Sandra Crouch and jazz legend Arnette Cobb, among others. Marvin believes that playing music is like speaking another language, and he speaks it fluently.
Matt Harlan
Matt Harlan is a songwriter's songwriter. He composes landscapes and statements disguised as songs. Often non-linear, but always melodic, Harlan's works confront social norms, celebrate lives overlooked, or just wax poetic about coffee and bus-stops. Whatever the inspiration, the music is always heartfelt and genuine.
Born and raised in Texas, Harlan soaked up the richness of the state and its song-smiths while bouncing between big cities and small towns. Always in love with music, he eventually learned to play and write it. Harlan draws from a range of influences interpreting a generation steeped in plastic and filtered through the Hill Country limestone.
After gigging in rock bands around San Antonio and Austin, Harlan dropped the pick and the power chords to develop his own unique fingerstyle guitar technique. Now back in Houston he is working to promote his earthy, socially conscious sound, which is continually evolving.
Matt's songwriting has been getting some recognition lately with awards from Billboard, American Songwriter and the Houston Fort Bend Songwriting Association; as a winner in the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival and Snowbird Mountain Music Festival, finalist in the Mountain Stage New Song Festival and regional finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition.
Moodafaruka
In a fine collaboration of musical cultures and styles, Moodafaruka deserves stellar attention in the world music spotlight. Blending Flamenco, Indian, Moroccan, Latin, and Western sounds in a tapestry all their own, Moodafaruka delivers an eminently tasteful and danceable mix as they capture the essence of world fusion. Featuring melodies that are exotic and enchanting, Moodafaruka showcases Rom Ryan's splendid guitar mastery of Flamenco and other musical styles. This is made all the more impressive by the constant, pulsing rhythms supplied by their exotic percussion section. In listening to Moodafaruka, it is obvious that they were meant to play together, as the fusion of strings and drums blends together into one perfect, harmonious whole.