Affinity is the third album from Denmark-born London-based bassist Henrik Jensen and his quartet, Followed By Thirteen. It’s a pleasing listen – all charming melodies, stylish soloing and fleet-footed grooves. Some of Jensen’s tunes (such as ‘Gentle Giant’) have a moody, introspective quality that reminds me ever so slightly of the writing of Ambrose Akinmusire, while others (such as ‘Darvin’) are bright, bluesy and classic. The players in Follow By Thirteen amplify these shifts between light and dark.

The contrast between Esben Tjalve’s sparkling piano and the trumpet-playing of Rory Simmons (who has a distinctive, rough-edged sound and a penchant for crunchy harmonies) is particularly satisfying. Drummer Pete Ibbetson is subtle and measured throughout, nudging things along with dancing cymbals, while Jensen is at his best on the sleepy ‘Villa Helene’ and on ‘Chaoyang Park’, a solo bass number where his sensitivity and lightness of touch really come to the fore.