It would be modest to say that Nibs van der Spuy is an unsung hero, and an acoustic guitar legend of Southern Africa. Nibs van der Spuy’s spellbinding acoustic guitar style was first taken notice of, with his band, Landscape Prayers between 1993 - 2003. His diversity as a songwriter, singer and finger stylist, reached a broader audience with the release of his solo albums; 'Lines on my face'(1999) and 'Flower in the rain'(2002). Both these acoustic gems were nominated in the best instrumental category at the South African Music Awards.“A Bird in the Hand” comes hot on the heels of his internationally critically acclaimed, “Beautiful Feet” (2007). These eleven new songs have once again captured the natural, out of time, pacified and rural utopic spirit of the East Coast of Africa. Previously having been described by Johana Seban, of Les Inrocks (FRANCE), as having the soft disturbing ghost of Nick Drake in his guitar playing, melodies and especially voice tone.
Nominated for “Best Instrumental” album at the South African Music Awards in 1999 and 2002.
Has toured intensely across the globe with a highlight being the prestigious East Coast Blues & Roots festival in Byron Bay, Australia. Extensively toured UK, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, South Africa & Holland
Album released in Australia, UK, USA, Japan, Germany and France
“Beautiful Feet” named album of the week on FIP (National radio station in France)
“Beautiful Feet” (2007) has received rave reviews from the London Guardian to the Sydney Herald, and in May 2007, was album of the month in 4 major German publications.
Toured with Piers Faccini in 2008
Appeared alongside Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Jack Johnson, Taj Mahal, Gito Baloi, Barry van Zyl, Shawn Phillips, Modena City Ramblers and Bela Fleck
“remarkably beautiful” – Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
“this is a terrific recording that no fan of music at its most unaffected should miss out on” – Billboard
“one of the most unexpected releases of the year” – The Guardian, UK
“Elegantly composed guitar work set against an African backdrop.” – 4/5 The Star, RSA
“ongetwyfeld een van die albums van die jaar [without a doubt one of the albums of the year]” – 4/5, Danie Marais, Die Beeld, RSA
"His album, Beautiful Feet, is graceful, sometimes poignant, sometimes quiet, always rich with meaning and laden with soft notes that are hard hitting. Songs like "Dreams of Believers" whispers slowly and lovely, others like "Hiding in the Sugar Cane" are charged with the richness of a viola... Yet no songs on the album surpass the title track, and "Beautiful Feet" is an irresistibly gentle ballad in which the mundane seems pleasant." - Anna Kosmanovski, www.mediasearch.com.au
"...remarkably beautiful, touching and gloriously optimistic." - Bruce Elder, The Sydney Morning Herald
"...Beautiful Feet is a showcase of his skills as a musician and a lyricist. Some songs will give you goose bumps and make you want to cry - others will warm your blood with their subtle Latin rhythms. Do yourself a favour, buy this album. It really is special." - Rebecca Khan, SL Magazine
"This is an album of gentle lyrical honesty, musical imagination tempered by restraint and powerful imagery. If singer songwriter is your thing, let your Beautiful Feet do the walking and enjoy something a little different." - Damian Rafferty / www.fly.co.uk
"e;Forget your pre conceived ideas of South African music. If you like a bit of Nick Drake or Richard Thompson, mixed with a little "Graceland", search out this album and give it a go: you will be very pleasantly surprised."e; - Chris Field, Birmingham Post, UK
"the album as a whole is really brilliant. It’s rich and warm, filled with genuine sentiments and honesty, all brilliantly delivered in a masterful way by a truly gifted musician" - Matthew Christensen (5 out of 5)
