Damirov Django Group is one of Croatia’s most recognizable gypsy jazz ensembles and the successor to the musical project founded in 2005 by acclaimed jazz guitarist Damir Kukuruzović, one of the leading regional interpreters of Django Reinhardt’s music. Following Kukuruzović’s sudden passing in December 2020, the group continued performing under the name Damirov Django Group, preserving his musical legacy and distinctive gypsy swing sound.
During his career, Damir Kukuruzović earned a reputation as a remarkable guitar virtuoso known for his technical excellence, refined musicianship, and expressive style. From its earliest days, the Django Group became a regular presence at important jazz and world music festivals in Croatia and abroad, captivating audiences with a combination of traditional gypsy jazz and contemporary musical influences. Over the years, the ensemble collaborated with internationally respected musicians including Stochelo Rosenberg, Robin Nolan, Angelo Debarre, Raphael Fays, Ludovic Beier, Paulus Schäfer, Wawau Adler, Joscho Stephan, Gismo Graf, and Sinan Alimanović.
The group’s discography includes several notable releases that strengthened its reputation on the European gypsy jazz scene. Among the most recognized albums are “Green Hill Gypsy Swing” with Angelo Debarre, “Mnouche” with Ludovic Beier, and “My Django Family,” featuring collaborations with Wawau Adler and Vlatko Stefanovski. In 2019, the ensemble released the album and vinyl edition “Zoran pjeva Arsena” together with Zoran Predin and Matija Dedić. Their final album with Damir Kukuruzović, “Smile,” was released posthumously in 2021 and featured guest appearances by Robin Nolan, Gismo Graf, Sinan Alimanović, and Paulus Schäfer.
Today, Damirov Django Group continues performing throughout Croatia and across Europe, keeping Kukuruzović’s artistic vision alive through virtuosic performances, improvisation, and authentic gypsy swing energy. The current lineup includes Bruno Urlić on violin, Juraj Markač and Miroslav Čehaić on guitars, Željko Bilbija on bass, Paul Kempf on piano, and Goran Brebrić on cajon. Through their concerts and recordings, the ensemble remains an important part of the regional jazz scene and a respected representative of modern gypsy jazz music.
