From Fusion to the Dancefloor: Turbojazz’s 10 Defining Tracks Behind ‘Memorabilia’

Kono Vidovic March 24, 2026 28 2 5

There’s always a story behind the sound. And in my world, that story often starts with the records that shaped an artist long before the spotlight hits.

For this Track Talk, I’m linking up once again with Turbojazz, a name that’s been quietly but consistently pushing soulful, forward-thinking house music for over two decades. We previously connected in an earlier Track Talk, and it’s great to continue that conversation here. If you’ve been digging through the deeper corners of the scene, you’ve probably come across his work on labels like Local Talk, Gamm, or of course his own imprint Last Forever Records.

What makes this one interesting is the timing. With his new album Memorabilia dropping, Turbojazz isn’t just looking forward, he’s looking back. Back to the dancefloors, the moments, the records that shaped his musical DNA. And you can hear it: jazz fusion, disco, deep house, broken beat… it’s all in there, stitched together with intention.

Memorabilia itself is more than just an album. It’s a statement about culture, community, and why we’re still here doing this. In a scene that sometimes forgets its roots, this project reconnects the dots between past and present .

So let’s dive in. Ten records that didn’t just inspire Turbojazz… they helped define his sound.

Weather Report – River People – 1978

Weather Report, an incredible band founded by Joe Zawinul. This record was my first real introduction to the whole world of fusion, a genre that truly opened my mind and, even more, my ears. It’s also a record I’ve had the chance to play in some very special sets that I still remember vividly today.

Loose Ends – Hangin’ On A String (Frankie Knuckles Club Mix) – 1992

This is one of those records that, if I’m given the chance to play all night long, will almost certainly find its way into the set. I just love the atmosphere it creates every single time.Also, one of the most beautiful remixes by the master, Frankie Knuckles.

Johnny Hammond – Los Conquistadores Chocolates – 1975

This one comes straight from my love for everything produced by the Mizell Brothers. I actually have their full discography, and this track was how I first discovered them. I was lucky enough to hear it for the first time at a party, and it was a real revelation. Pure pleasure for both the ears and the soul.

Nuyorican Soul – It’s Alright, I Feel It! (MAW 12″ mix) – 1997

Another track that completely blew me away. I remember one of my mentors playing it in a small local bar one Sunday afternoon, starting right from that super emotional breakdown, and then letting it drop into that broken groove that literally made me fly! I still love bringing it back every now and then.

The O’Jays – I Love Music – 1975

I think this might be my all-time favorite disco track. It still moves me every single time I hear it, even earlier today while I was looking for the YouTube link. I love every single note, beat and word of this beautiful song. I first discovered it while watching Carlito’s Way for the very first time.

Stevie Wonder – Do I Do – 1982

This is my kind of party filler. There’s something magical about the energy Stevie created in this disco piece. In its simplicity, it just drives the floor and instantly puts you in a good mood. I’ve played it countless times, especially at the end of particularly fun DJ sets.

Theo Parrish – Heal Yourself and Move – 1998

Here we go deeper with this mantra by Theo Parrish, through which I discovered these incredibly refined sounds that have influenced my musical identity ever since. The essential nature and the almost meditative dimension of this masterpiece… if you truly feel it, it probably means you’ve developed a strong musical sensitivity.

Lil’ Louis & the world – Club Lonely – 1992

This is probably one of the records I’ve played the most over the years. To me, it holds the true essence of house music, the spirit of the party, and the energy of funk. This is where I really understood what “bouncy” means. Lil Louis is a true master of this approach to production, and it’s something that has deeply found its way into my veins.

New Sector Movements – Penny Dropped – 2001

More than this single track, I’d really invite you to listen to the whole record. It actually took me about two years to fully understand it, but when it finally clicked, it completely changed the way I see what can be created through music. IG Culture: a true soldier of the dance music avant-garde, if you ask me.

Turbojazz feat. Broke One – Lush Disco – 2026

I’ll close with one of the tracks from my new album Memorabilia. It’s one of the most powerful and complex pieces on the record, created together with my friend and visionary producer Broke One. Such a talent. He’s one of the few people I can work with to truly express this side of my musical identity.

Conclusion

Big thanks to Turbojazz for opening up his record bag and taking us deeper into the roots of his sound. This is exactly what Dirty Disco is about: understanding the music behind the music.

If these tracks hit you the way they hit me, then Memorabilia is something you need to experience in full. It’s not just an album for the dancefloor, it’s one for the heads, the diggers, the ones who still feel what this culture is about.

Go check out the new release, support the movement, and keep the energy alive.

And as always… full tracklist, more Track Talks, and exclusive content waiting for you on the website and in our weekly podcast.

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Author

Kono Vidovic

DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.

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