True Soul Seekers

I have not been overly impressed by the musical content of most of the releases being issued by The Numero Group, although their packaging and design is fantastic. I consider it to be a venture established to expose under-appreciated and little-known Soul labels. While this is a jackpot for the Soul enthusiast, I could stick with Stax, Chic and other better-known examples of the genre and have enough of this type of music in my busy life. However, the new Numero CD (Numero 21, soon to be released on vinyl as well) Soul Messages From Dimona, is significant on another level. It's a compilation that focuses on the original music recorded in the 1970's by a group of African-American Hebrews who relocated from Chicago and Detroit to Dimona, Israel. Not only is it amazing that these people uprooted their lives in order to follow their beliefs, but the music is also amazing. Like Sun Ra, they abstained from drink and drugs, thus avoiding one of the major stereoytypes associated with music-based culture. Also similar to the Arkestra, they were known to engage in rigorous all-day practice sessions. I am not a follower of "religion", but these people's devotion is compelling. Also, the picture on the front of the slipcase, which depicts many of the players dressed in robes and turbans, makes The Polyphonic Spree look like they're on their way to a Halloween party.