I have a relatively good background in functional programming and being a Java programmer I really miss some of the features that can be found in functional programming languages, like SML and Scheme.
Scala is a unique language for me, not only because it combines features from object oriented languages (classes, inheritance, mixins) and functional languages (first class functions, curring, pattern matching) but because it is also compatible with Java.
If you want to learn more about Scala you can find a talk on Scala in Google videos. The talk is given by the creator of Scala, Martin Odersky.
You can also discuss the talk on LtU.