I’m a big supporter of any project that documents, in its own tender and delicate arrangements, folkloric songs of oral tradition. Càntut Udolç is this duo’s third album in this series and emphasizes lullabies mainly from Spain’s Girona region.  This collaboration of Alba Careta (vocals, trumpet, whistle, percussion, carillon) with Henrio (vocals, guitars, whistle, carillon) records only a small percentage of the over 100 songs collected by students of Cassà de la Selva from different cultures in that municipality. With their dreamy, meditative presentation, the duo succeeds in recovering songs, passed down orally from generation to generation, to calm and lull children to sleep.

After opening with one of four recitations of original poetry by Enric Casasses, the song “Sant Josep, Feu-Lo Dormir” (Saint Joseph, Make Him Sleep) then introduces the beautiful effervescent sounds of trumpet, vocals and carillon. We hear some familiar lullabies like "El Noi de la Mare" (Mother’s Boy) or "La Son Son," but many are lesser-known melodies (found only in the Càntut songbook). I particularly enjoyed the title track, “Uldoc” (that means “Howl”), an interesting, almost surreal, succinct trumpet solo that makes me think of elephants before it evolves  into a restful “Dorm, Fillet Del Meu Cor” (Sleep, Child of My Heart) with the trumpet vocalizing soothing, soporific statements.  “La Mare De Déu” (The Mother of God) is also a wonderful showpiece for Alba Careta’s sensuous vocals. 

The music and poetry transform us to a world of night, sleep and dreams. Both the album and live show feature the production and guitar accompaniment of Santi Careta. The sweet, delicate music conveys the special bond of parents with their children. The songs leave me with feelings of love, trust, safety, curiosity, peace and harmony. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)