The sound of a violin with a steel-string acoustic guitar will forever be associated with the engine behind France’s storied Hot Club Quintet: Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Even though the present album includes “Manoir de mes Reves,” a staple of said pre-World War II ensemble, in The Sound of Strings Uruguayan violinist Federico Britos and Cuban guitarist Jorge Garcia achieve a very pleasing sound of their own.

Duos are like marriages. Wonderful when they work out, less so when the partners pull in different directions without regard for the other. Jorge and Federico complement themselves nicely. If the latter possesses the dominant voice, it’s the former’s subtle underpinning that makes it possible.

Given the nationality of the musicians, it’s a given the album boasts a decidedly Latin tinge, with exceptions. In addition to “Manoir,” the duo cuts loose with a swinging cover of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”. Surrounded by evergreen classics, the five original compositions (three by Britos, two by Garcia) are love songs in praise of family, homeland and spouse.

Those who pigeonhole their listening will find that The Sound of Strings rejects easy labeling. Do not ask: “Is it Latin, jazz, or instrumental?” It’s music to your ears. There is no higher praise.

~Nat Chediak