A hootenanny is defined by Webster's New College Dictionary as "an informal performance by folk musicians," so the word seemed a particularly apt description of Hedningarna. The umlaut makes it complete.
Hedningarna is a Swedish ensemble that plays Finnish and Swedish folk music. The group uses instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipe, hurdy-gurdy, bowed harp, keyed fiddles, synthesizers, willow flutes, kantele, lute and electric guitar. Rhythm are key features of their sound, with many songs built around a heavy rock-like drum foundation. It's a unique blend of the traditional and the modern, both in the pieces and the instruments played. For a percussion lover like me, this is fat-bottom city.
Do yourself a favor: Look up Hedningarna on www.cdnow.com, click on an album title and listen to a few sample tracks. Then buy a CD or two. I'm listening to the album called Trä right now, and while I can't understand a word, I'm loving every Scandinavian minute of it. If this band plays at the Nordic Roots festival here in the Twin Cities again, you'll see me right there in the front row.