It's no secret that Mike Grant's Mood's & Grooves label has been a pillar of the Detroit house scene for nearly 20 years. The label has released classic material from the likes of Moodymann and Gene Hunt, and even reached across the pond to bring artists from the UK in to the fold. One of the standout cuts from the label's catalog is Mr. G's "There's Hope" mix of Grant's "The Struggle Of My People." Although slightly lesser know, but no less classic, is is his "Freedom Train" mix of Grant's "My Soul, My Spirit." Originally released on Grant's How Long Must I Continue... EP, this sought after house classic is thankfully available again on Moods & Grooves Classics Vol.5. It's a genuinely uplifting track that is carried by airtight strings and vocal samples. The flip features an appropriately titled track from Theo Parrish that was released in 2001 on his Segments From The Fifth Wheel 12" for Moods & Grooves. "Chunky" is rudimentary sample collage from one of the masters of the style. It's funky as only Theo can do funky, well deserving of its place on this release. Recommended.

• red vinyl pressing
• music label: Moods & Grooves 2015

reviewed by Joey Coco 04/2015