NIBS VAN DER SPUY & GUY BUTTERY

Grahamstown: July 1, 2012 – Review by Keith Millar

South Africa has an abundance of very good guitarists. And there is no doubt that Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery rank right up there amongst the very best of them. To see either one of them in a concert is a treat so to see them performing together is a distinct bonus.

After over a decade of writing, recording and touring together, van der Spuy and Buttery recently released their first collaborative album, In the Shade of the Wild Fig.

The pre-publicity of their Festival Fringe programme seemed to indicate that the main purpose of their show would be to promote the new album. So it was a pleasant surprise when they played a more diverse line-up including solos, duets and a couple of covers. The majority of the show was instrumental with two vocal numbers handled by van der Spuy.

Their music is obviously influenced by their South African roots with most of their compositions showing a haunting and repetitive basic African rhythm, except for Upper Reaches by Buttery which has a strong element of Spanish guitar. However, the possible highlights – for me, anyway - were their cover versions of hits by The Doors and the Beatles.

Each with their distinctive appearances and different styles of hair – van der Spuy’s unique plaited look and Buttery’s flowing locks – they present an easygoing performance style as if they were playing in your lounge or around a braai or campfire.

Further performances take place in the Cuervo Music Room on July 3 at 15h00 and July 4 at 16h30. They will also appear at the Lowlander on July 6 and 7 at 20h00. – Keith Millar