It was only 10 years ago that CQUniversity* researcher Dr Karl Neuenfeldt found a real pearl of a project in the shape of former maritime veteran and island community singer Seaman Dan.

But their chance meeting has since spawned 5 studio albums - the latest released this month (April).

Karl and Seaman performing live

The Bundaberg-based Dr Karl combined his research interest in the music of the Torres Strait with his own interests as a musician and teamed up with a former drummer for British folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span, the now Cairns-based sound engineer Nigel Pegrum.

The critical ingredient was Seaman Dan, who was entering his 70s with a vocal and songwriting style influenced by his Torres Strait Islands culture, a love of the sea and even some 1950s American pop records.

With Seaman's health now an issue, it has been decided that his latest CD recording will be his last.

‘Sailing Home' is billed as a celebration of Seaman's music and life, which includes being Australia's oldest ARIA Award winner and performing around the world. His songs have featured on the soundtracks of surf movies and TV soaps.

The album features 6 new original songs as well as versions of the Waif's Lighthouse, Pigram Brothers' Saltwater Cowboy, Shane Howard's Water and an original reading of the classic Dock of the Bay.

The latest - and final - album cover

Born on Thursday Island in 1929, Henry Gibson 'Seaman' Dan, worked in maritime industries across northern Australia - from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Coral Sea in the east, including decades as a deep-water pearl shell diver, trochus shell harvester and boat skipper.

Seaman Dan's latest studio recording was recently featured in The Weekend Australian and he attributes his success to the guidance of 'Doctor Karl' and Nigel Pegrum.

Karl is quoted as saying that Seaman adjusted quickly to the demands of studio recording.

The academic first came into contact with the charismatic singer during a field excursion to the Torres Strait in 1999 and recognised that his unique natural talent and laid-back songs cried out to be recorded.

The rest is (musical) history.

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* CQUniversity has supported Karl's research over the years, with financial and leave support.