Although the first CD by the husband-and-wife team of guitarist Steven Dearing and flutist Abha Dearing offered a broad survey of classical transcriptions, the new CD focuses exclusively on vernacular styles of South America. The four-part "History of Tango" by Astor Piazzolla reveals the extraordinary diversity of formal design and expression offered by the form; the bittersweet lyricism of "Continental Cafe 1930" will break your heart, while the modal harmony and prickly melody of "Modern Day Concert" make a play for the concert hall while still wearing a whiff of nightlife perfume.

Three suites of miniatures follow: varied folk tunes from Brazil, Peru and elsewhere; popular songs by Celso Machado that lean on the Brazilian samba and bossa nova; and the "Suite Buenos Aires" by Maximo Diego Pujol (b. 1957), an attractive work that recalls Piazzolla. The guitar-flute timbre is particularly idiomatic to the repertoire, but that's no guarantee of a slam dunk. What makes the music sing is the Dearings' lovely tonal blend, secure phrasing and the way Steven's clean articulation and steady rhythm lays the foundation for Abha's warm approach to melody.

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This jaunty trip south of the border...is technically assured and rhythmically sprightly...they dovetail nicely in their approaches to works by Piazzolla, Pujol, and Machado without subjugating their musical identities...polished...dynamic performances.

Husband and wife Steven and Abha Dearing follow up their sterling debut with another enjoyable collection of guitar and flute music...the luscious tone and breath control of Abha's flute commands attention. The Dearings create rapturous, dreamy effects in each of these beautiful melodies-you can feel the warmth of the tropics emanating from the stereo speakers.