Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši (Best Croatian Tambura Players) is a Croatian tambura group. The group was formed in 1983 as Zlatni Dukati. After a tour of America organized by the Croatian Fraternal Union, the band started to compose more music about Croatia. This came to coincide with the Croatian War of Independence which brought such traditional music back into the spotlight.
In 1997 the group changed its name to the very cocky, Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši. This name was meant to be only temporary, and as of 2010, the group is considering changing it. The band is signed to Croatia Records.
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 Lukacevic and Stanko Saric continued to play under different name "Zlatni Dukati". They were joined with group of tambura players from their hometown of Stitar. The leader of the band was Sima Dominkovic and the rest of the members were: Andrija Milicic, Mato Milicic, Mirko Gasparovic, Josip Dominkovic, Mato Lukacevic and Stanko Saric. Little bit later they were joined by Hrvoje Majic. For the next few years they perform exclusively in Slavonija around town of Zupanja. 1985 marks the end of this formation of the group because of the internal problems. One year later Mato Lukacevic 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 town of Zupanja 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 Saric joins the band again while violin player Petar Nikolic 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 Ivankovic which resulted with the release of album "Nek zvone tambure". Album was released in 1988. After disagreements with Josip Ivankovic, in June 1988 Stjepan Bogutovac leaves the band. The rest of the band continues working with Ivankovic 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 Tamburasi" in 1997. Even though the band had to change the name "Dukati" continue to be successeful. Under the name "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburasi" 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 Majic 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 Majic, Denis Spegelj joins the band. Denis is young and talented prim player from Virovitica. His youth and enthusiasm brings freshness to "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburasi". The latest edition to the band is celo player Krunoslav Golubicic.
The current members of Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburasi: