Axiom of Choice

Cross-cultural Fusion Group

AXIOM OF CHOICE

IN CONCERT

THE 30 YEAR REUNION CONCERT

SATURDAY MAY 16, 2026
7:30 PM TO 9:30 PM

MARINER’S MEMORIAL THEATER
San FRAncisco

EVENT BY
DIASPORA ARTS CONNECTION

For more information, visit:
www.diasporaartsconnection.org

VALEH
VIDEO OF THE OPENING TRACK OF THE ALBUM
BEYOND DENIAL
CIRCA 1995

THE LEGENDARY ORIGINAL WORLD MUSIC BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM

CIRCA 1994

BEYOND DENIAL
فرای انکار

BY
AXIOM OF CHOICE

Reviews

“ . . . one of the wonders of World Trance Music” - LA Times.

 “Near Eastern art music, deeply moving and utterly beautiful” - by Rhythm Magazine.

“... music that is tender and passion- ate, floating through the consciousness with the intensity of a dream. " - Don Heckman. Los Angeles Times

"Beyond Denial displays a unique & dynamic artistic vision ... the free-flowing style fits with the groups of similar nature like Dead Can Dance, Vas, Stellamara and others carving new World terrain. A marvelous group of artists." - Lloyd Barde, Backroads - Heartbeats

"Beyond Denial" displays a unique and dynamic artistic vision. " ...A strong new sound...rich vocal textures, excellent musicianship...Axiom of Choice may well move into the front ranks of experimental world music"   - CMJ.

"UNFOLDING reflects our search for life's deeper meaning, and offers the vehicle of music to smooth the way. This music celebrates the poetical pursuit of knowledge and freedom; it is about seeking beauty, and above all, love." - Tom Schnabel. Café L.A. (KCRW)

Beyond Denial Album Full Review

"With their first album, Beyond Denial, Axiom of Choice offers up a revision of Persian classical music more accessible to ears attuned to Western pop, folk and soundtrack music. Along with standard Persian instruments like the tar and tombak (and the Kurdish daf), the group features synthesized bass and two Western acoustic guitars, one rigged with extra frets so that it can play the quartertones of Persian scales. The centerpiece of the album is "Desert Storm," a 13-minute song expressing the anguish of the Gulf War. Mamak Khadem sings her wordless ululations over much of the track, and Shahram Hashemi's tar offers an anxious and angry solo, both backed by the locomotive sounds of Pejman Hadadi's daf. It's a powerful piece, rather reminiscent of Hossein Alizadeh's Song of Compassion, but the power is spread out, and one must be patient for its arrival. While a few other pieces are somewhat interesting ("Whisper" actually sounds like Dead Can Dance), most of the tracks are unfortunately just exercises for the quartertone guitarist or the vocalist -- Persian jam sessions, as it were. The group has a hold on a powerful concept; let's hope they can develop it further." AllMusic Review by Kurt Keefner

Review by Angel Romero - World Music Central
August 19, 2018
See More

Axiom of choice

Axiom of Choice is a pioneering world music ensemble that fuses classical Persian traditions with progressive global influences. Formed in 1992 by composer and multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, the group brings together Persian émigré artists and international collaborators to create a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly contemporary.

At the heart of their music is the radif, the traditional repertoire of Persian classical music, reimagined through modern composition and improvisation. Their sonic palette blends soaring Persian vocals, intricate Middle Eastern and African percussion, nylon-string guitar, and Torkian’s innovative quarter-tone guitar, allowing authentic expression of Persian modal systems within a contemporary framework.

The ensemble’s work is defined by its emotional depth—poignant, cinematic, and immersive—while remaining accessible to global audiences. Their compositions balance tradition and experimentation, creating music that is at once mystical, expressive, and forward-looking.

Releases:

• Beyond Denial (Faray-e Enkaar) (X DOT 25 Music - 1994) — described by Rhythm as “deeply moving and utterly beautiful”

• Niya Yesh (Narada World/Universal - 2000) — winner of NAV Best Contemporary World Music Album

• Unfolding (Goshayesh) (Narada World/Universal - 2002) — inspired by the poetry of Omar Khayyam

The group has also received recognition including a nomination for Best Recombinant World Music Ensemble by the LA Weekly Music Awards.

Label Partnership (X DOT 25 Music)

In August 1993, Axiom of Choice approached X DOT 25 Music to produce their debut album. Following the successful release of the album The Child Within by Aldoush Alpanian, the group identified X DOT 25 Music as uniquely equipped to understand and realize the complexity of their sound—rooted in Persian classical traditions while embracing a progressive world fusion aesthetic.

After a meeting in Los Angeles between the band and label executives, a formal agreement was signed on September 23, 1993. X DOT 25 Music subsequently took over production of Beyond Denial, with in-house producer Aldoush Alpanian leading the production of the project in Los Angeles, shaping its distinctive sound in line with the label’s signature production aesthetic and crafting a sonic identity that reflects its unique style.

Breakthrough Release & Lasting Influence

Beyond Denial was produced and released by X DOT 25 Music on June 18, 1994, with distribution through Bayside Distribution, a division of Tower Records. The album was featured on in-store listening stations across Tower Records locations nationwide, where it was met with strong reception from both Persian and non-Persian audiences.

To support the release, an MTV-affiliated video producer was commissioned to direct the music video for the band’s standout track “Valeh” in Los Angeles. The video was distributed to television outlets across the United States, while over 250 promotional copies were circulated to major radio stations throughout the U.S. and Europe.

The result was a significant breakthrough: Axiom of Choice quickly became a standout name in the emerging global music scene, and Beyond Denial gained recognition as a defining release. Over three decades later, many contemporary Persian fusion artists and ensembles continue to cite the album as a major influence—crediting it with helping reshape the perception of “international music” into what is now widely recognized as World Music.

Building on the album’s success, on June 24, 1995, Axiom of Choice was presented live by X DOT 25 Music on a major stage at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The performance marked a landmark moment for the ensemble—one of the earliest large-scale presentations of Persian Fusion Music in a premier U.S. venue—bringing their evolving sound to a broader audience and helping establish their place in the emerging world music movement.

MEMBERS OF AXIOM OF CHOICE - Beyond Denial:

Loga Ramin Torkian — Composer, Artistic Director, Quarter Tone Guitar

Loga Ramin Torkian is the visionary architect behind Axiom of Choice. Born in Iran and later based in the United States, his artistic path took a pivotal turn when he moved beyond formal flamenco training and immersed himself in Persian classical traditions.

Seeking a broader expressive language, Torkian studied the tar and ultimately invented the quarter-tone guitar, a modified instrument with movable frets that allows precise articulation of Middle Eastern scales. This innovation became central to the ensemble’s identity.

His compositions draw deeply from Persian melodic structures while embracing global influences, reflecting his belief that music can transcend borders without compromising authenticity. In addition to his work with the ensemble, he has composed for film and collaborated across diverse musical traditions.

Mamak Khadem - Vocals

Mamak Khadem is widely recognized for her emotionally powerful and spiritually resonant voice. Trained in classical Persian vocal traditions, her style is rooted in the poetry and melodic phrasing of Persian masters while incorporating elements of Indian and Bulgarian vocal techniques.

Her performances move fluidly between intimacy and intensity, often evoking a sense of nostalgia, longing, and transcendence. The Los Angeles Times described her as “one of the wonders of world trance music.”

Beyond Axiom of Choice, Khadem has maintained an active solo and collaborative career, working with composers such as Hans Zimmer and contributing to film and television scores. She is also a dedicated educator, teaching Persian music and culture while continuing to perform internationally.

Pejman Hadadi - Percussion

Pejman Hadadi is one of the most respected Iranian percussionists performing internationally today. A master of the tombak and daf, his playing combines technical mastery with a highly expressive and dynamic approach to rhythm.

Born in Tehran, he began his training at a young age and later expanded his style through exposure to multiple schools of Persian percussion. After immigrating to the United States, he quickly established himself as a leading figure in both traditional and contemporary Persian music.

Hadadi has performed and recorded with legendary artists including Hossein Alizadeh, Kayhan Kalhor, and Shahram Nazeri, and is a key member of the renowned Dastan Ensemble. His work with Axiom of Choice anchors the group’s rhythmic complexity while pushing the boundaries of percussion in world music.

Yussi Wenger - Acoustic Guitar

Yussi Wenger brings a highly versatile and global perspective to the ensemble. Born in Switzerland and trained in jazz and classical guitar, he later expanded into flamenco, Middle Eastern, and Indian musical traditions—including studies in sitar.

After relocating to Los Angeles and graduating with honors from Musicians Institute, Wenger developed a career spanning studio work, touring, and composition. He has performed on more than 80 albums and contributed to numerous film and television scores.

His credits include work with international pop artist Ricky Martin, including recordings on Grammy-winning releases. Within Axiom of Choice, Wenger’s multi-instrumental skillset adds harmonic richness and cross-cultural depth to the group’s sound.

AXIOM OF CHOICE PREMIERE CONCERT

Axiom of Choice in Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco June 1995

Album Details:

Beyond Denial

(Faray-e Enkaar)
فراي انكار

Style/Genre: World Trance/World Fusion
Instrumentation: Vocals, Quarter Tone Guitar, Nylon String Guitar, Tar, Tarbass, Daf, Tombak, Nagada, Bass, Drums

I have become a fugitive from the body, fearful as to the spirit; I swear I know not - I belong neither to this not to that - Rumi

ALBUM INSERTS:

1. Valeh 4:07
2. Pulse 0:58
3. Rhythm Riddle 4:48
4. Kaef 5:27
5. Desert Storm 12:51
6. Whisper 8:40
7. Panj 5:18
8. Kashmir 2:27
9. Moon Light 1:33

Item # CD 1002-2

PERSIAN EMIGRE ARTISTS ROOTED IN RADIF TRADITION RISK GOING BEYOND THE FAMILIAR TO CREATE NEW HAUNTING MELODIES OF THE DESERT STORM WITHIN.

Mamak Khadem: vocals 
Pejman Hadadi: daf, tombak, nagada
Ramin Torkian: quarter tone guitar, vocal nylon string guitar, tarbass
Yussi P. Wenger: nylon string guitar 
Shahram Hashemi: tar, tarbass, vocals 
Mohammad Mohsenzadeh: tombak, synthesized bass
Steven Graham: drums

Producer: Ramin Torkian 
Co-producer: Aldoush Alpanian 
Executive Producers: X DOT 25 Music 
Art Director: Babak Torkian 
Cover Design: Babak Torkian 
Text: Ellen Sinatra 
Photography: Fereshteh Saghafi & Carla Cummings 
Recorded at: Scotland Yard & Studio 42nd Studio 
Recording Engineers: Yousef Shahab & Mark Hermann 
Digital Processing: Silent Sounds 
Mastered at: Rocket Lab, San Francisco
Mastering Engineer: Paul Stubblebine

Videographer of the “Valeh” video: Dave Stringer

Special Thanks to: Valdez Guitar Store, Steve Harvey, Ellen Sinatra, Kamran Fallahpoor, Fereshteh Saghafi, Jalal Fatemi

Axiom of Choice
There is an exciting and profound artistic value in the mathematical principle, Axiom of Choice. The mathematician has the right to choose elements without explanation. In a world where everything must be explained, these choices are voluntary and do not need explanation. As a group of émigré artists, we choose to express ourselves in music, no longer bound by the traditions of Persian music. Yet in its very depth, our music comes from that tradition.

"Beyond Denial" is the first project in the Axiom of Choice series. We have risked altering techniques of sound production to create new sounds. The vocal expressions capture emotions such as agony, fear, tranquility and modesty, usually not expressed with such force. Quarter-tone frets were added to the guitar, widening the range and making it possible to play the Persian Radif in new ways. The Tar is played with spontaneous rhythmic structures and melodic integrity, to freely express the emotions and thoughts evoked by images. It is in these ways that this work is also an expression of young contemporary Iranian artists in the Western community.

Quarter tone guitar: 
As a guitarist, I found the nylon string guitar to have the warmth and haunting sound required for the middle eastern music. Quarter tones are part of the Persian modal scale and therefore cannot be played by simply bending the strings. The value of the quarter tones and the half tones (in special cases) would change from one modal scale to another. This meant, in this case, that the fixed frets normally found on the guitar were too limiting. I decided to replace the steel frets with gut frets, adding twelve more to produce the quarter tones. Therefore, it is a special feature of this guitar that the modal scales can begin from any note, without changing the tuning.

There is a wealth of techniques for guitar available that can be used in Persian music to produce new textures and sounds. One includes finger picking, which allows the player to play different drones, which results in a wide range of overtones. By letting some notes ring, new intervocalic relationships are created which embody new tensions and new energies.

I am excited about the possibilities of this new instrument. I hope that it will be adapted to other forms of Middle Eastern music.

This project began over three years ago by myself and M. Mohsenzadeh. The first prototypes were the result of series of long discussions, research and extensive experimentation. It quickly became clear to us that this project was very promising, yet it required more research and experimentation to become mature. We laid out the principles important in the direction of this project:

1. We would use simple, artistic concepts -- not Western harmonies. We felt that randomness and chaos in confined form could generate harmonious patterns in melodies and sound.

2. Music becomes bold and effective when stated in a direct manner. In order to achieve that, we decided to reduce the ornamentation and emphasize the main structures.

3. Musical texture must be rhythmically dynamic, which means it must have at least two levels of complexity, from gross to subtle. It must feel natural, yet be challenging and coherent.

4. Melodies should not only sound Persian, but in their very depth, should come from the Radif (the repertoire of the classical Persian music.) 5. We are committed to capturing the vision within the music, not the melodic structures of the Gusheh (melodic structures within the Radif.) That meant we altered these melodies where necessary.

6. The poetic images inspired and assisted the musicians in the creation of these compositions. It is our hope that these images are captured in the music, and then transmitted to the audience.

"Desert Storm" is a central piece in the project which captures the fierce images and intense emotions of this horrible occurrence. The war was the climax of the destruction that had taken place in the region for the last twelve years -- an extremely tragic and fearful event which touched me deeply. The poem "Hast Shab" is modern form of the poetry in Iran, with desert imagery that presents powerful metaphors for death and destruction. As the musicians internalized these images, their contributions transformed the composition. As such, the piece became a dynamic reflection of our shared experiences.

"Mitaravad Mahtab" is the result of three readings of the poem, randomly superimposed upon one another. It is my own inner rhythms that bind them together. In this process, the phrases were distorted, creating an unexpected emphasis on certain words and a re-creation of the poetic images. I hope that this freshness will penetrate into deeper realms, bypassing rational interpretations.

This project became complete with contributions from all the musicians, who brought with them their distinctive knowledge, techniques, and creativity. They were willing to take chances and risk going beyond their usual musical expectations.

Ramin Torkian - 1994

Axiom of Choice: Beyond Denial

For many of us, the Gulf War was a brief, disturbing blip on the radar screen of our nation's history. Axiom of Choice, a group of Persian immigrants now living in California, are here to remind us that for those who lived through it, that first month of 1991 was cataclysmic - the culmination of more than a decade of senseless bloodshed in the region.

The principal members of this talented 7-member band are all well-versed in classical Persian music, and though the melodies and rhythms of Radif - the Persian classical repertoire - saturate their brooding, deeply moving disc, they are by no means slaves to tradition. Call it experimental Near Eastern art music, infused with overtones of Sufism, not to mention ripping percussion. Leader/guitarist Ramin Torkian plays a nylon-stringed classical guitar, retooled with movable frets, so he can approximate the untempered intervals of Persian music. The effect is utterly beautiful, as is the voice of Mamak Khadem, which rings out through the album like a crystalline bell of despair and pain. On the opening track, "Valeh," she's multitracked over Torkian's descending arpeggios, her "voices" hovering and quivering like unquiet souls suddenly released from this troubled plane.

Beyond Denial is a fine first effort - a chronicle of armed conflict in both the inner and outer worlds. It's heavy stuff, though the group does lighten it up a bit on "Rhythm Riddle," a sort of Brazilian Jazz meets Eastern classical romp. Again, Mamak Khadem's voice shines here like a rare, precious stone. I look forward to hearing more from Axiom of Choice and other artists on the curiously-named X DOT 25 Music label.

Erik Goldman, Rhythm Music

Valeh

Lyrics - Words: Rumi
Transliterated to English From Farsi/Persian - (English Translation)

Lead Vocals: Mamak Khadem
Backing Vocals: Shahram Hashemi

بی همگان به سر شود بی‌تو به سر نمی‌شود داغ تو دارد این دلم جای دگر نمی‌شود
گاه سوی وفا روی گاه سوی جفا روی آن منی کجا روی بی‌تو به سر نمی‌شود
دل بنهند برکنی توبه کنند بشکنی این همه خود تو می‌کنی بی‌تو به سر نمی‌شود 
گر تو سری قدم شوم ور تو کفی علم شوم ور بروی عدم شوم بی‌تو به سر نمی‌شود

Bi Hamegaan Be Sar Shavad (Life goes on without any one)
Bi To Besar Nemishavad (Without you life can not go on)

Daghe To Daarad In Delam (My heart burns longing you) 
Jaaye Degar Nemishavaad (Can not go anywhere else) 
Jaaye Degar Nemishavaad (Can not go anywhere else)

Gaah Sooye Rahaa Raavee (At times you go towards freedom)
Gaah Soyee Jaafaa Raavee (At times you go towards infidelity)
Aaneh Manee (You are mine)
Kojaa Raavee (Where are you going)
Aaneh Manee (You are mine)
Kojaa Raavee (Where are you going)
Bi To Besar Nemishavaad (Without you life cannot go on)
Bi To Besar Nemishavaad.(Without you life cannot go on)

Male Vocals:
Gaah Sooye Rahaa Raavee
GaahSoyee Jaafaa Raavee
Aaneh Manee, Kojaa Raavee
Aaneh Manee, Kojaa Raavee
Bi To Besar Nemishavaad

Del Benahand (They put their heart in it)
Toobeh Konaand (They promise and ask for mercy)
Beshkanee (You brake)

Del Benahand(They put their heart in it)
Toobeh Konaand (They promise and ask for mercy)
Beshkanee (You brake)

In Hameh Khod To Mekoni (So much about you) 
In Hameh Khod To Mekoni (So much about you) 
Bi To Besar Nemishavad (Without you life cannot go on)

Ahhhhhhhhh Yaaeeeee Yaaaaaaa ...........

Gaar To Saree Ghadam Shavam (If I come to you) 
Vaar To Kaafee Alaam Shavaam (If for you I raise my hand)

Vaar Beravi Adam Shavam (If you go, I will not have it)
Bi To Besar Neeeemishavad (Without you life can not go on)

Neeeemishavaaaad. (Will not happen!)

Desert Storm

Lyrics - Words: Nima Yushij
Lead Vocals: Mamak Khadem

هست شب

هست شب یک شبِ دم کرده و خاک
رنگِ رخ باخته است.
باد، نو باوه ی ابر، از بر کوه
.سوی من تاخته است
*
هست شب، همچو ورم کرده تنی گرم در استاده هوا،
هم ازین روست نمی
.بیند اگر گمشده ای راهش را
*
با تنش گرم، بیابان دراز
مرده را ماند در گورش تنگ
با دل سوخته ی من ماند
به تنم خسته که می سوزد از هیبت تب!
.هست شب. آری، شب

Moon Light

Lyrics - Words: Nima Yushij
Recital: Ramin Torkian

مي تراود مهتاب
مي درخشد شب تاب
نيست يك دم شكند خواب به چشم كس و ليك
غم اين خفته ي چند
خواب در چشم ترم مي شكند
نگران با من استاده سحر
صبح مي خواهد از من
كز مبارك دم او آورم اين قوم به جان باخته را
بلكه خبر

در جگر ليكن خاري
ساق گلي
كه به جانش كشتم
و به جان دادمش آب
اي دريغا به برم مي شكند
دست ها مي سايم
تا دري بگشايم
بر عبث مي پايم
كه به در كس آيد
در و ديوار به هم ريخته شان
بر سرم مي شكند

مي تراود مهتاب
مي درخشد شب تاب
مانده پاي آبله از راه دراز
بر دم دهكده مردي تنها
كوله بارش بر دوش

:دست او بر در،مي گويد با خود
غم اين خفته ي چند
خواب در چشم ترم مي شكند