Astorians
The Astorians were one of the many combinations of Auckland's leading jazz musicians. Noel Peach had his Astor Studios in Auckland and he put together a number of different combinations of musicians, depending on the style of music required. Each combination was given a different name, including the Astor Barnyard Boys, the Astor Trio, the Astor Rhythm, the Astor Dixie Boys and the Astorians. The majority of recordings were all made for the TANZA label.
Among the Astor regulars were George Campbell, Neil Dunningham, Bob Ewing, Frank Gibson Sr, Bobby Griffith, Ray Gunter, Nancy Harrie, Derek Heine, Dick Hobday, Julian Lee, John MacKenzie, Crombie Murdoch and Jim Warren.
The Astorians recorded their own singles or provided backing for different vocalists.
Their recordings in 1950 were "Paddlin' Madelin' Home"/"I Can Dream, Can't I", "Blue Ribbon Gal"/"French Can Can Polka" and backing for Lee Humphreys on "Cry Of The Wild Goose". 1953 saw backing for Buster Keene. In 1954 they released "My Friend".