Najbolji hrvatski tamburaši

History

Zlatni Dukati were formed back in 1983. They appeared on the tambura scene with their first album titled "Ni sokaci nisu što su nekad bili". Album was released by then Jugoton, now "Croatia Records". Original members of the band were:

In the above-mentioned formation the band played only for one season. Two members, Mato Lukačević and Stanko Šarić continued to play under different name "Zlatni Dukati". They were joined with group of tambura players from their hometown of Štitar in Slavonia. The leader of the band was Šima Dominković and the rest of the members were: Andrija Miličić, Mato Miličić, Mirko Gašparović, Josip Dominković, Mato Lukačević and Stanko Šarić. Little bit later they were joined by Hrvoje Majić. For the next few years they perform exclusively in Slavonia around the town of Županja. 1985 marks the end of this formation of the group because of the internal problems. One year later Mato Lukačević with the help of Stjepan Bogutovac forms yet another formation of Zlatni Dukati. Third formation of the band consisted of:

This formation also performs around the town of Županja for the most part. Especially important for this formation was their regular weekly gig at the "Tavern Kristal" where band performs during 1986 and 1987. By the end of 1986 Stanko Šarić joins the band again while violin player Petar Nikolić leaves the band. During the summer of 1987 the band stars their first tour around Croatia with the help of music agency "Lira" from Cakovec. Band members for the tour were:

That same year band started working with composer Josip Ivanković which resulted with the release of album "Nek zvone tambure". Album was released in 1988. After disagreements with Josip Ivanković, in June 1988 Stjepan Bogutovac leaves the band. The rest of the band continues working with Ivanković which resulted in several successful albums.

During their tour in USA, which was organized by CFU, the band came to idea to record an album with Croatian patriotic songs. The name of that album was "Hrvatska Pjesmarica" . This release was a great success and in a great part has contributed to the popularization of tambura music in general.

During and after the war in 1991 Zlatni Dukati continue to record patriotic songs. The name of that album was "U meni Hrvatska" which boosted the morale of Croatian soldiers on the front lines.

Successful collaboration with Josip Ivankovic ends in 1996 after numerous disagreements and fights. The court proceedings are still pending and this matter hasn't been resolved yet. Because of the litigation "Zlatni Dukati" changed their name to "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši" in 1997. Even though the band had to change the name "Dukati" continue to be successful. Under the name "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši" the band releases following albums: "Vranac", "Nek me pamte gradovi", "Hrvatske pjesme iz Bosne i Hercegovine", "Sedam dana", "Divne godine", "Tamburica od javora suva", "Sretan Bozic", "Nostalgija" and the latest release "Slavonijo, biseru Hrvatske".

In 1999 the band was hit by a tragedy. Prim player Hrvoje Majić commits suicide for unknown reasons. These were very tragic and shocking news not only for family and band members but also for the whole Croatian public. After this great irreversible loss the band finds the strength to continue with work. In place of Hrvoje Majić, Denis Špegelj joins the band. Denis is young and talented prim player from Virovitica. His youth and enthusiasm brings freshness to "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši". The latest edition to the band is celo player Krunoslav Golubičić.

The current members of Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši:

Discography

1. Nek zvone tambure – 1988
2. Pjevaj kad dusa boli – 1989
3. Hrvatska pjesmarica – 1989
4. Dao bih zlatne dukate – 1990
5. Horvatska domovina – 1990
6. U meni Hrvatska – 1991
7. Klasika – 1991
8. 16 zlatnih hitova – 1992
9. Da su meni krila laka – 1993
10. Sretan Bozic – 1993
11. Starogradska pjesmarica – 1994
12. Od dvora do dvora – 1994
13. Suzivot – 1995
14. Vranac – 1996
15. Nek me pamte gradovi – 1998
16. Hrvatske pjesme iz Bosne i Hercegovine – 1999
17. Sedam dana – 2001
18. Divne godine – 2003
19. Tamburica od javora suva – 2004
20. Sretan Bozic – 2005
21. Nostalgija – 2007
22. Zlatna kolekcija (Zlatni dukati) – 2007
23. Zlatna kolekcija (Najbolji hrvatski tamburasi) – 2007
24. Slavonijo, biseru Hrvatske – 2010