A funk/fusion compilation LP that looks mighty good for Record Store Day..
Green Bullets (Compilation) – Jazz Dispensary/Craft Recordings/Concord #CR0019 – Green vinyl LP – Record Store Day release 11/28/25
For the upcoming Record Store Day, the boutique collector’s label, Jazz Dispensary, is issuing a limited, super cool, green vinyl compilation of “underground” funk/fusion tracks to simulate a 1970s action film soundtrack.
These tunes would be hard to find, unless you are a serious vinyl crate hunter. It would be much easier to keep your pants knees clean, and pick up these rarities on one LP. The green marbled vinyl that Jazz Dispensary uses just sweetens the pot.
The ten tracks are a mix of jazz, soul, and fusion with the common denominator being danceable beats. Culled from labels like Fantasy, Prestige, and Pablo, credit goes to producer, Hakancan Altiner, and mastering engineer at Concord, Paul Blakemore. The acoustics are crisp and bright.
Disco is revisited on Bill Summers and Summer Heat’s “Feel the Heat,” and Studio G’s “Bullion Breakdown. Dizzy Gillespie goes on a funk detour with “Fire Dance,” which features Wilton Felder’s bass, Ray Parker’s guitar, and prime percussion from Paulinho De Costa.
“St. Thomas Square” benefits from Isaac Hayes’ orchestral majesty, while Mongo Santamaria’s congas and drummer, Bernard Purdie’s back beat drums, enliven “Lady Marmalade,” which was made famous by Patti LaBelle’s version.
Donald Byrd is honored by his productions of The 3 Piece’s “Backed Up Against the Wall,” and The Blackybyrd’s “Theme.” Catalyst’s “Fifty Second Street Boogie Down” is a feature for Odean Pope’s saxophone, and Eddie Green’s synthesizer. The closing track, Merle Saunder’s “Bolinas Brown,” opens with psychedelia, and proceeds to straight ahead funk with Saunder’s electric piano/organ, and Martin Fierro’s sax.
To revisit old slang terms, this compilation is surely a “groovy funkfest” sure to please hipsters, both young and old. It’s a limited edition release available on Black Friday (11/28/25), and sure to sell out. Get in line early this Friday for Green Bullets.
—Jeff Krow
Green Bullets
Tracklist:
Side A:
Blue Aquarius- Foxfire
Dizzy Gillespie- Fire Dance
Isaac Hayes Movement- St. Thomas Square
Bill Summers & Summers Heat- Feel the Heat
Mongo Santamaria- Lady Marmalade
Side B:
The 3 Pieces- Backed Up Against the Wall
The Blackybyrds- Blackbyrds Theme
Catalyst- Fifty Second Street Boogie Down
Studio G- Bullion Breakdown
Merl Saunders – Bolinas Brown
