Himmerland, a prominent Danish band, has established itself as one of the most widely traveled groups within Denmark's roots and folk music scene. Currently, the attention of audiences is captivated by the band's drummer, who performs with vibrant energy, singing and dancing around his drum kit, his hands moving so swiftly across the drumheads that they are nearly a blur.
As the performance unfolds, the rest of the ensemble joins in, contributing saxophone, violin, guitar, and electric bass, creating a lively atmosphere filled with new roots and world music that resonates with the audience. The collective sound seems to cast a spell over listeners, as if they have all partaken in a shared, enchanting experience.
Since its formation, Himmerland has toured extensively across the globe, showcasing music that draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of styles, cultures, and traditions, all crafted by five highly skilled and seasoned musicians. Wherever they perform, the band brings warmth and joy, blending traditional Danish ballads, spirited fiddle tunes, intricate improvisations, and innovative compositions arranged by its members.
The ensemble was formed in 2010 by Eskil Romme (saxophone), Ditte Fromseier (violin, vocals), Sigurd Hockings (guitar), Andrzej Krejniuk (electric bass), and Ayi Solomon (percussion). They began their journey with performances at festivals and venues in the Faroe Islands, Hungary, and Bulgaria in 2011, culminating in the release of their first album, "New Roots Music from Denmark," in August 2012.
To celebrate the album's launch, Himmerland organized a busy "CD release week," performing at notable events such as the Danish Tønder Festival, the Alkantara Fest in Sicily, the Koktebel Jazz Festival in Ukraine, and the Harvest World Music Festival in Moscow. The album received positive reviews and earned a nomination for the Danish Music Award (Danish "Grammy") for Folk Album of the Year in 2013.
Since their inception, Himmerland has actively toured in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Greece, England, Scotland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2015, the band returned to Australia for performances at the Blue Mountains Music Festival and the Port Fairy Folk Festival, among others.
Over the past few years, Himmerland has been featured in numerous festivals, including the National Folk Festival (Canberra, Australia), Fairbridge Festival (Australia), Goiikoorts Int. Volksmuziekfestival (Belgium), Festival Touscouleurs (Bodighera, Italy), Kaustinen Folk Festival (Finland), Summartónar (Faroe Islands), La grand Recontre (Montreal, Québec, Canada), Mission Folk Festival (BC, Canada), The Bath Folk Festival (England), Urkult Festival (Näsåker, Sweden), Nordic Folk Festival (Tappernøje, Denmark), Tønder Festival (Denmark), Alkantara Fest (Catania, Sicily, Italy), Koktebel Jazz Festival (Ukraine), World Stage (Copenhagen, Denmark), Festival International de Musica Immigrante de Valpariso (Chile), Musicport Festival (Whitby, England), G!Festival (Gøte, Faroe Islands), The Carrying Stream Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland), and the Harvest World Music Festival (Moscow, Russia), among others.
Himmerland consists of:
ESKIL ROMME (soprano saxophone) hails from Funen but has spent most of his life in Himmerland, Northern Jutland. With over 30 years of experience, he has fused traditional Danish music with jazz and other related genres. His extensive travels in Scandinavia and the UK have influenced his unique "North Sea blend" of sounds. In 2009, he released "Himmerlandsmelodier," marking the inception of the band. Romme also serves as the artistic director of the esteemed Halkær Festival and has toured internationally with bands such as "Færd" and "Kryss."
DITTE FROMSEIER (violin, vocals) comes from the Danish island of Bornholm. She is a well-respected violinist and singer within the Danish folk music scene, participating in various bands and touring both domestically and internationally. Fromseier is known for her appearances on Danish television (Marie Haven) and her involvement in groups like "Habbadám," "Fiolministeriet," and the duo "Fromseier/Hockings."
SIGURD HOCKINGS (guitar) has gained recognition through bands such as Habbadám and Fromseier Hockings. He is regarded as one of Denmark's most talented and versatile folk guitarists, drawing inspiration from both Scandinavian and Celtic music traditions. Hockings honed his guitar skills under the guidance of Chris Newmann while studying at The Music Academy in Odense, Denmark.
ANDRZEJ KREJNIUK (electric bass guitar, vocals) was born in Poland but has resided in Denmark for most of his life. A respected musician and composer, Krejniuk is known for his exceptional solo work on the electric bass guitar. He boasts extensive experience in the Danish and international jazz and world music scenes, performing with bands such as "Momento," "Sound of Polarity," "Lelo Nika," and his own jazz fusion ensemble, "Abstract Reality."
AYI SOLOMON (percussion, vocals) originates from Ghana but has lived in Copenhagen for over 30 years. He is highly regarded both in Denmark and internationally, having released two albums under his own name and performed with a diverse array of top-tier bands across genres including world music, rock, pop, and jazz. Notable collaborations include "Pierre Dørge & The New Jungle Orchestra," "Moussa Diallo Band," and "Palle Mikkelborg."
