Able Tasmans

The band formed in 1983, named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The initial lineup was Graeme Humphreys (vocals/keyboards) and Craig Baxter (drums). David Beniston (bass guitar) and Peter Keen (vocals/guitar, formerly of Raucous Laughter) soon joined, with Keen taking a lead on vocals. Humphreys, Keen, and Jonkers became the core of the band, and for the second album (Hey Spinner! (1990)) were joined by former Verlaines and Chills bassist Jane Dodd, synth player Ronald Young, and drummer Craig Mason (another former Chills member). now without Young, splitting up prior to its release. A 'best of' compilation, Songs from the Departure Lounge, was released in 2000. ==Post-split activities==

Ten years after the band split up, Humphreys and Keen regrouped to record an album, The Overflow, under the name of Humphreys & Keen, although the album also featured Dodd, Young, Jonkers and Mason. Graeme Humphreys is now better known in New Zealand for his role as a radio talkback host (under the name Graeme Hill). David Beniston died in Melbourne on 7 May 2011, due to an aneurysm. ==Musical style==

The band's style of music could be considered as somewhat similar to the prevalent Dunedin sound, as recorded by Flying Nun during the 1980s and most effective when keyboards (not normally prominent in the Dunedin sound) were to the fore, as on their early student radio hit "Snow White Chook". Their music has been described as folk rock, indie pop, chamber pop, and baroque pop. AllMusic writer Jason Ankeny described the band as having "a tongue-in-cheek, '60s-influenced aesthetic" in their early years. ==Discography==

Featured appearances The group have appeared on a few CD and DVD compilations since 1991 in New Zealand. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the Able Tasmans. • (1990) - In Love With These Times (Flying Nun Records) - "What Was That Thing?" • (1991) - Roger Sings the Hits (Flying Nun Records) - "Getting Older" • (1991) - Getting Older 1981–1991 (Flying Nun Records) - "Sour Queen" • (1995) - Abbasalutely (Flying Nun Records) - "S.O.S." (ABBA cover) • (2004) - Second Season Flying Nun DVD II (Flying Nun Records) - "Big Bang Theory" • (2004) - Very Short Films (Flying Nun Records) - "Hold Me 1" ==References==