From Torres Strait to Opera House, with a bit of help from CQU
Published on 20 October, 2004
Performer Seaman Dan has moved his performances from Torres Strait jetties to the Sydney Opera House, with a bit of help from CQU Bundaberg researcher Dr Karl Neuenfeldt.
The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will hum with Seaman's mellow sound when he performs the opening song at the 10th Deadly Awards (Deadly Sounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music, Sport, Entertainment and Community Awards) being held this Sunday, October 24. Details are at: http://deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/index.asp .
Community and Indigenous musicians around Australia are celebrating the recent announcement that Torres Strait Islander elder, Seaman Dan (otherwise known as Henry Gibson Dan) has received an ARIA for Best World Music Album for his album Perfect Pearl.
Seaman Dan’s music reflects his cultural and personal background with songs about pearl diving, the ocean, and the Torres Strait Islander life – a subtle mix of jazz, blues, hula and traditional pearling songs. Seaman has a diverse musical background.
How did this “true gentleman, in the old sense of the word” make the limelight in the Australian music industry? A Central Queensland University Bundaberg research project was being conducted in the Torres Strait, examining community music.
Dr Karl Neuenfeldt (pictured below), Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Communication at Bundaberg Campus, said the project was part of collaborative community-based research funded by the University. Dr Neuenfeldt heard Seaman Dan play, and, captivated by the mellow sounds and eclectic rhythms, offered Seaman Dan an opportunity to record a CD.
The result was 'Follow the Sun', Seaman Dan’s first album, which he recorded at the age of 70. The rest is history.
Dr Neuenfeldt assisted with the production of the next two albums, 'Steady Steady' two years later and 'Perfect Pearl' produced this year.
Harmonica, guitar and ukulele keep the sound uncomplicated and the mood light while Seaman’s velvet vocals seduce the listener.
The recognition being given to Seaman Dan’s music further serves to raise the profile of indigenous music in Australia.
CQU has funded the production of similar community CDs featuring various artists and is keen to ensure that benefits filter back to local communities.
Dr Neuenfeldt is already looking toward their next album for which many songs have already been written.
He would also like to produce a jazz album “because I like Uncle Seaman’s jazz rhythm especially well".