Tomislav Goluban Biography

Tomislav Goluban

How to pronunciate?

(Toh-mee-sla:v Go-loo-ba:n)

Tomislav „Little Pigeon“ Goluban (Toh-mee-sla:v Go-loo-ba:n) is an Croatian blues singer and harmonica player, leader of his own band, blues educator, radio DJ, festival organizer and record artist. Until 2025. has put out 17 studio albums and 2 live albums. Performing solo/duo and with a band, Goluban has played in the U.S. and across many European countries at festivals and events
such as the Notodden Blues Festival (Norway), Amal’s Blues Festival (Sweden), Blues sur Seine (France), Kuhstall Tanna (Germany) and International Blues Challenge (USA). He won couple of annual Croatian most prestigious national music awards („Porin“), he is the founder of etno blues
festival in his hometown region, he hosts a radio show specialized in blues on Croatian national radio station and was one of the founders and the first president of the “Croatian Blues Force” association (national blues society) which won „Keeping the Blues Alive“ in 2019.

One of the hardest working contemporary harmonica players in Europe…

Chicago Blues Guide, USA 2023

INSPIRATION

Being inspired by old school harp masters Tomislav owes his passion for playing the harmonica to the likes of Sonny Terry and Slim Harpo.
In the contemporary world of harmonica players, Tomislav has already found his place among other international artists such as Paul Butterfield and Joe Filisko who he still admires to this day as well as being awarded 4th place at World Harmonica Championship in Germany 2005.

Consider Tomislav Goluban as one of the best blues harmonica players. He wails on that harp and he sings in the country/delta blues tradition with gravel in his voice and warmth in his heart. His gritty vocals put a spell on you. The band supports Goluban’s vocals and harp adequately, and his light shines bright all over the world.

Southland Blues, Jim Santella, July, 2021

WORLD RECOGNIZED

HOMEGROWN

Coming from the Croatian region of Zagorje his music is naturally inspired by traditional melodies which can be heard on a number of albums like Kaj Blues Etno or Med Bregi.

International reviews prove that the universal language of music needs no translation.

“When I look at the track list of the CD I see that all lyrics are in Croatian. Despite that I still sing the first song out loud. Well, sing along… Tomislav Goluban sings Na Zagorskom Brijegu , over a hill near Zagorje, and I sing Down By The Riverside”

~ Blues Magazine

This unique approach to The Blues has resonated well with the Croatian music scene, earning 5 Croatian Music Awards “Porin” as well as 3 Croatian Musicians Union awards “Status”.

Tomislav ''Little Pigeon'' Goluban should be considered one of Croatia's national treasures.

Blues Music Magazine, Pete Sardon, July 2021

BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS

BACKPACK (FULL) OF CULTURE

This program, supported by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, had a noble goal – to bring music closer to school children through workshops and concerts.

Through interaction with musicians, students are introduced to various genres, instruments, and the history of modern music.

In today’s high-speed world broadening young minds to different cultural and musical forms is very important. It was a delight to see how young people react to music they’ve never heard before, show a genuine interest, and enjoy the experience!

As long as new ears and minds are educated into the wonderful diversity of music we should have no fear of a genre being forgotten or dying out!

And what did the kids say?

“I came to the concert with prejudice. When I heard it was going to be a harmonica concert I thought I’d rather be in math class. But when I heard the phenomenal sound that these two musicians were making all my objections disappeared!

I liked the concert a lot because the music was fun, upbeat, and full of energy. The musicians were so much fun and I love how they brought together music and education.

The music scene and the kids that listen to distasteful music should take a hint from these musicians and learn about good old rock, blues, metal, punk…

I’d love to hear you in our school again before I start high school next year!

P.S. You make me want to pick up my guitar and stop it gathering dust in my room.”

~Senior year student – Kumrovec primary school

There are very few blues artists like Goluban and he’s doing something new that lots of blues fans are going to want to check out.

American Blues Scene, Steven Ovadia - January, 2020

CONNECTIONS AND ENDORSEMENTS

The sole Croatian endorsee of the world’s finest and most famous harmonica manufacturer “Hohner”

One of the founders and the first president of the “Croatian Blues Forces” association which has since become the recipient of The Keeping The Blues Alive award given by The Blues Foundation based in Memphis (TN / USA)