Pianist and composer Basil Hodge established himself on the British jazz scene in the 1990s before releasing his widely-acclaimed debut, My Guardian Angel, in 2003.

Releases have been thin on the ground since: indeed, A Point of Reference is only Hodge’s third album, following 2009’s Sound Reasoning. This is a pity, since it once again demonstrates its creator’s fine compositional skills – eight of the 10 tracks are Hodge originals – and lilting, swinging touch at the keyboard. Hard-bop grooves like the opener ‘Hanging Out’ give Hodge and his fellow musicians a chance to spread out and shine – there’s some fine blowing from saxophonist Ed Jones, who weaves driving, snaking lines here and elsewhere throughout the set.

Bassist Oli Hayhurst delivers a smart solo on ‘Deep Down’, while the band explore funk and Latin influences on the likes of ‘Common Ground’ and the lovely ‘Port Louis’. One of the two covers is a gentle reading of ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, with Hodge taking a delightful solo and Winston Clifford supporting with some fine understated drum work. ‘Until Next Time’, as Hodge puts in the handsomely dreamy closer – hopefully there won’t be too long to wait.