Zlatni dukati

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 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.

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