Spare folkie William Fitzsimmons has released an artsy black and white video for his latest single, "Beautiful Girl," taken from the erstwhile psychologist's fifth album, "Gold in the Shadows," which reflects the Philadelphia born singer-songwriter's struggles and revelations since his divorce. The album isn't scary in any traditionally dissonant, noise-muck sense; but his eerily serene whisper is like keen phantom to those who have endured heartache, the rolling strains of acoustic guitar working in tandem with the lyrics of a broken man.The clip provides a sombre accompaniment to the hushed acoustic ballad, making for a tastefully done video that suits the track well. Confronting the specters of past mistakes, the softly strummed guitars, gentle piano keys and wistful vocals accompany nostalgia riddled footage of a young girl as she grows up from a kid with a scraped knee to an old woman.
Perhaps best known for his songs "Passion Play" and "Please Don't Go", which aired during pivotal scenes in ABC's medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." The prodigiously bearded musician was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is now based in Jacksonville, Illinois. Fitzsimmons was born to blind parents, but they imparted a love of music to the therapist-turned-folk singer. So he grew up reacting more to sounds rather than sights. He is a serene sounds of songwriter with vision!
The folk artist's songs quickly find their way into your heart, if not through your head then through each song's subtle expose of life's emotional tribulations. Fitzsimmons is life-tuned to sensing the nuances that many people miss but whose telling truths are immediately evident in the first listen. Fitzsimmons is kind of a chronic over-sharer. But that's his charm, what draws people in, in addition to music being a his own healing force. Fans and most of his critics embrace his works for their expressive originality and courage.
"Beautiful Girl" is a simple song with a delicate message. It pulls at listeners' heartstrings from beginning to end; the strumming of an acoustic guitar welcomes Fitzsimmons' classic singer-songwriter vocals, and as the keys come forward, "Beautiful Girl" fills a room, and sprits, with warmth. Fitzsimmons has the ability to reach an audience on a deeply personal level. He says "Beautiful Girl" is an encouragement to those who suffer anorexia. It's hits close to home, considering he's "one of the few and the unproud" 5-10% of males who suffer from the eating disorder. "Psychasthenia" also touches on "one of my other personal diagnosis," obsessive compulsive disorder. "I love going as deep as I possibly can."
0 comments