William Fitzsimmons: More Than Just A Beautiful Beard

William Fitzsimmons (Jacksonville, Illinois USA) first enchanted me wandering around the streets of Berlin one day when I noticed a giant poster with a beautiful bearded man on it.  The image of the man had a vacant look on his face, sort of dream like and soulless at the same time, it was fascinating.  Of course this grabbed my attention enough to do some searching on this fuzzy man.

Upon listening to his newest album,  “Gold In the Shadow”, I was blown away.  His voice is beyond sorrow and soothing, it is beautiful.   The songs on his third album reflect a time of healing, change, and growth.  Fitzsimmons’ work is mostly autobiographical, documenting his relationship with his now ex-wife, but also his fears and struggles in his life.  His lyrics express the honesty and psychological challenge of insecurities and breakthrough, encapsulating his viewers with his whispering voice.

Currently on his European tour, Fitzsimmons has touched down in Berlin, where I was able to see him live at Astra.  You would think a man who writes such depressing songs to be so quiet, but his liveliness and charm hit the stage with story telling and humor to keep the audience activated between songs.  Truly a great performance, if you get a chance to see him live, I’d take up that opportunity!

As for songs off the new album, “Fade And Then Return” has been on repeat for over three months now on my computer.  The duet with Leigh Nash in “Let You Break” isn’t one to pass over.  Their voices accompany each other quiet well, and harmonize throughout the whole song.  “The Tide Pulls From The Moon” is the first track on the album that sets the tone for the whole album.  It produces a feeling of starting ones’ journey, and we begin to follow William through his passage of recovery and hope.

To learn more about William Fitzsimmons, please visit www.WilliamFitzsimmons.com for more information.