Search - Axiom of Choice :: Unfolding

Sombre occidental/oriental fusion

Shantell Powell | Kitchener, ON, Canada | 09/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unfolding is another experiment in musical East/West fusion. This time, the focus is on radif--traditional Persian modes and melodies. Axiom of Choice blends classical rhythms and lyrics with occidental instruments. Guitar, cello, and keyboards intermingle with duduk, ney, kamancheh, and tabla. The central instrument appears to be Loga Ramin Torkian's quarter-tone guitar, which introduces "Parting Ways With the Soul" in a startling manner.The result of the fusion is not always to my liking. Although I enjoy the first track, "Mystics and Fools," the next song, "Evanescent" is far too New Age for my taste.Unfolding showcases the poetry of Omar Khayyam, medieval philosopher, mathematician, and writer of the influential Ruba'iyat. Also at the forefront are the vocals of Mamak Khadem. Her voice is strong and occasionally somewhat nasal--not sweet and flitting like many traditional Asian female vocalists. In a way, her voice reminds me of Azam Ali's.If you like world music with melancholic overtones, you just might like Unfolding. If you're seeking an introduction to Persian music, this is the album to listen to."

A masterpiece

C. Elm | Virginia | 03/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to classical and World Music for over 40 years, I have to say that this album is a masterpiece in every respect. Never before anybody has accomplished to bring the Persian music to the western listeners in an acceptable form like the "Axiom of Choice" have done.
The piece "Evanescent" in this album is a work of art and the silky voice of Mamak Khadem is the crowning of this album. The recording is first grade and comes as close as possible to the quality of SACD. Only a very high quality sound system would bring the huge amount of professionalism of this recording to light or else you could hear that "nasal" tone in Mamak Khadem,s voice that one of the reviewers has noticed.
I strongly recommend this album to anyone who is interested in Persian music as well as World music. I give this album 5 stars for the performance and 5 stars for the recording."

Great Investment in Persian culture

Azadeh Khatibi | Berkeley, California United States | 09/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has it all--commanding the poetry of Omar Khayyam, Axiom of Choice has created an exquisite masterpiece of music that takes the listener on a journey, transcending beyond the minute mental drudge of the everyday, allowing one to see and appreciate the interconnectedness of all things, through time and space.
The music has an orinigal vitality incorporating traditional and unexpected sounds that please the ears of those with differing musical aesthetics. A great investement in Persian culture--music, poetry, history, language and philosophy."