In fewer than 25 years, Walter Gorra has notched a couple of engineering degrees, a music degree and a handful of songwriting awards. Oh, and this album.

Walter Gorra In Due Time (self-released)

Clearly influenced by Cuban jazz (Gorra scored a grant to take a class and play with Paquito D'Rivera a few years back), these limber pieces hinge on Gorra's sprightly and expressive piano and a fluid rhythm section. Always in motion (and almost always ready for the dance floor), this bubbly set is a traditionalist's version of "happy jazz."

Upbeat. Positive. Kinetic. Gorra's songs take complex musical ideas and distill them into energetic rambles. His playing is similarly light and expressive, and he doesn't let his technical brilliance overshadow the emotions of the moment.

For all the wonderful playing, however, the songs are the thing here. Gorra's compositions are an impressive pastiche of styles. While the Cuban influence never quite leaves, he tries on a lot of hats. An amazing amount of them fit. The man is 24. I hope his ideas and passion continue to blossom.

Jon Worley