Axiom of Choice Floats as If in a Dream

It’s not clear why the Persian American music ensemble that played the Skirball Cultural Arts Center on Wednesday decided to call itself Axiom of Choice, other than to cause reviewers to ponder its meaning. Whatever the purpose, the group, which is centered around the work of guitarist Loga R. Torkian and singer Mamak Khadem, creates music that is both tender and passionate, floating through the consciousness with the intensity of a dream.

Adept in the ornate melismas, glottal throat sounds and microtonal melodies characteristic of classical Persian singing, Khadem was extraordinary Wednesday, drawing her listeners in via the pure, emotionally communicative powers of her voice. Little-known and not yet recorded in a fashion that fully matches her live impact, she is one of the wonders of world trance music.

Many of the songs were composed by Torkian for Axiom’s latest album, “Niya Yesh,” the ensemble’s first recording since its debut five years ago. Although he generally chose to play a supportive role at the Skirball, Torkian occasionally stepped forward to deliver solos mixing flamenco with the sounds of the Persian lute.

He used a unique guitar, retooled with movable frets and sympathetic strings, that allowed him to move comfortably through the microtonal intervals of Middle Eastern scales without losing the guitar’s powerful strumming potential.

Other participants added a luxurious array of sounds: Martin Tillman’s extraordinary cello work--at times a soaring, melodic voice interacting with Khadem, at times a rich, subtonic drone; Rubik Haratoonian’s sensual duduk playing; and the colorful work of tombak drum player Mammad Mohsenzadeh, percussionist Andranik Harutyunyan and tabla player Sandip Burman. On a few numbers, singer David Stringer added counter-lines and harmony to the vocal mix.

* Axiom of Choice plays tonight at 8 at the Skirball Cultural Arts Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. $22. (310) 440-4500.