For a self-produced group, the Dearing Concert Duo has been especially savvy about crafting albums with unique aesthetic identities. A debut CD surveyed classical transcriptions and the follow-up explored South American vernacular styles.

With "Romanza," the husband-and-wife team of guitarist Steven Dearing and soprano and flutist Abha Dearing turns to Latin music for voice and guitar. (Abha Dearing is not heard on flute.) Though the Spanish and Latin American flavor is a holdover from the previous disc, the sound world here is more elegantly formal.

First, "Romanza" introduces Abha Dearing's soprano for the first time. It's a lovely voice -- sweet-tempered, buoyant, idiomatic in articulation and phrasing. Second, the material is steeped in the nationalist classical traditions of Spain, Brazil, Chile and Argentina with music by such masters as Manuel de Falla, Enrique Grandados, Joaquin Rodrigo and Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Steven Dearing's secure technique and judicious balance of rhythmic snap and lyrical flow highlight the many solo performances, while the duet sports a seductively intimate blend of voice and guitar.

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The Windsor duo, Abha and Steven Dearing, have retained the Latin feel of their last CD, but with a difference. This time, Abha leaves her flute in its case and sings in a beautiful soprano while Steven accompanies on the Spanish guitar. The works are compositions based on traditional themes by the likes of Rodrigo, de Falla, Tarrega and Granados. Steven's vigorous readings of pieces by the Brazilian composer, Jorge Morel, are among the album's instrumental delights. Seven Spanish Songs, by Manuel de Falla, are richly textured miniatures sung as passionate art songs by Abha. This is both a departure and a redefining of their art for the Dearings, another in their continuing series of high-quality independent recordings.