9 December 2020
In this special first episode of Curadur's second series, drummer Kliph Scurlock, who has played with Gruff Rhys, The Flaming Lips, Gwenno and many more, guides us through his musical voyage while paying tribute to his hero, the icon Endaf Emlyn.
Kliph, originally from Kansas in the USA, now lives in Cardiff and is learning Welsh. The first time he heard Welsh was the music of Carmarthen band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. And through Euros Childs, the band's lead vocalist, Kliph became acquainted with the Super Furry Animals before becoming the drummer for Gruff Rhys in his solo gigs.
He was inspired by Welsh music and in this programme, we are introduced to some of the great musicians who, according to Kliph, have changed his life for the better.
However, there is one icon in particular that, according to Kliph, hasn't had all the attention he deserves. Since listening to Endaf Emlyn's music, Kliph has been obsessed:
"If I get the chance to put the spotlight on anyone, he's the one." said Kliph.
We hear exclusive talks and performances of original songs and covers of Endaf Emlyn songs by some of the icons of the music scene in Wales and beyond.
Euros Childs sings Dwynwen, Gruff Rhys sings Nos Da and Adwaith perform Syrffio (Mewn Cariad). Balafon and percussion player from Guinea Conakry, in West Africa, N'famady Kouyaté also chooses to sing Syrffio (Mewn Cariad). Each performance brings something unique and very special to Endaf Emlyn's iconic songs.
In addition, Kliph pulls these artists together to create a tribute band to sing one of Endaf Emlyn's songs, Santiago, with the man himself watching the performance via a video link, and was surprised that there was so much attention to his work:
"It was a surprise to me that these great musicians are going to give their time to these things I did maybe half a century ago. And I'm really looking forward to hearing their interpretation of the work." said Endaf Emlyn.
This is a programme full of treasures by some of the most iconic individuals in the music industry in Wales and beyond.
Curadur – Kliph Scurlock
Thursday, 10 December, 10.00pm
English subtitles available
On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms
An Orchard production for S4C
