Inversations (2006)

"This exciting studio date is only the second disc as a leader of drummer Ari Hoenig, who appeared as a sideman on a number of CDs. Reunited with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc and featuring the promising bassist Johannes Weidenmüller, the trio launches into a truly introspective take of "Anthropology" that turns it inside out yet remains very accessible. The drummer contributed several originals, including the mysterious, tense "Dark News," the dramatic "Farewell" (which builds from a simple repeated riff) and the lush, off-centered "WB Blues." Either tenor saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart or alto saxophonist Will Vinson add some spice on a few tracks, while the finale is a very melodic, unaccompanied percussion solo of the old gospel favorite "This Little Light of Mine," in which Hoenig also sings softly (though deliberately off-mic). One of the most promising jazz percussionists of his generation, Ari Hoenig is worth watching." (Ken Dryden, Allmusic)