Helene Blum & Harald Haugaard Band (Denmark)

Helene Blum & Harald Haugaard Band is one of Denmark’s leading ensembles, blending traditional Danish folk with innovative, contemporary interpretations. Fronted by celebrated vocalist Helene Blum, praised for her haunting voice, and virtuoso fiddler Harald Haugaard, the band showcases original compositions alongside reimagined classics. Since its founding in 2008, the group has performed at venues and festivals across Europe, North America, and Japan. Their critically acclaimed album Strømmen, released in 2020, epitomizes their artistry, weaving music and poetry into a musical experience celebrated for its grace, depth, and emotional resonance.

Featured Songs:

Their song “Dansevise” (Dance song), featured on Putumayo's Scandinavia, celebrates the beauty and renewal of morning, with nature awakening through vivid imagery of sunbeams, rustling reeds, and playful sounds. It reflects on love and longing, as the singer yearns for a beloved who has left, asking them to return so they can share moments of joy and connection. Ultimately, it is a poetic invitation to embrace life’s possibilities, dance, and laugh together: “A sunbeam in a puddle / A little cheek kiss from the wind / And the reed hums / That life begins / Its web in your mind.”

“Så mange forskellige hænder” (Many Are the Hands), from their 2020 album Strømmen, blends delicate Nordic folk melodies with rich string arrangements and gentle acoustic instrumentation. The Café Europa song reflects on grief, remembrance, and the shared human experience of mourning loved ones. Through imagery of snow, light, and reaching hands, it encourages embracing sorrow as a way to honor love and loss, rather than turning away from it. “Many are the hands / Guided by a hope we share / That those we knew and loved / Will hear the silent call.”

Artist Website

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