" data-original-title="" title="">Gabriel Vic��ns isn't most people. While the young guitarist had a scholarship lined up at that venerable learning institution, he opted to stay in his native habitat and study at the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico. Over the course of his years there, Vicens developed a distinct tone that cuts, yet remains warm, round and focused. He also created a compositional identity all his own.

Point In Time marks his debut date as a leader, but the music isn't first timer quality. Vicens shows patience that highlights his maturity, taking time to flesh out his ideas. Vicens and alto saxophonist Jonathan Suazo often work in tandem, weaving their way through the heads of these modern jazz tunes as one. While they prove to be simpatico, they exhibit far different traits when they solo. Suazo proves far more likely to reach heights of ecstasy and flights of fury ("Point In Time"), while Vicens holds interest with his ideas and lines themselves, making the manner of delivery less important than the material being delivered.

Pianist Eduardo Zayas, who delivers ostinato based circuity, gentle comping, confident soloing and whatever else Vicens' mind desires, and drummer Vladimir Coronel, who drives the music with a light and propulsive ride cymbal, are ever-present. Bass duties on the album are split between up-and-comer