Today’s song is “Berkeley Girl” by Harper Simon.
Harper Simon new video for the song “Berkeley Girl”, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfXv6RBPEdI
Directed by Benjamin Kutsko from LA-based film collective/production company The Masses (Devendra Banhart, Passion Pit, Beach House, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros), the video stars actress/musician Jena Malone (Into the Wild, Pride & Prejudice, Donny Darko)with a cameo by singer/songwriter Henry Wolfe. Shot on 8 mm film in the hills of Echo Park, LA’s new bohemian hub, and drenched in golden light, the video recalls the romantic quality of the great films of the 1970s – a perfect fit for Harper’s classic sounding folk-rock love song written to a friend.
Says director Benjamin Kutsko, “I was really excited to explore Echo Park as a character in this video, as well as the delicate balance that exists between two people whose relationship has moved from lovers to friends. Those are both ‘places’ where I have found some of my closest loves in this life! Shooting on film was important to me; the second the song begins, it is clear that Harper’s voice doesn’t live in a digital world.”
Harper Simon has been touring throughout North America and Europe since the release of his critically acclaimed self-titled debut, released in Fall 2009 in North America (Vagrant/Tulsi Records) and Spring 2010 worldwide (PIAS). Receiving widespread praise and support both in the States and abroad, Harper has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has been championed by BBC Radio 2 in the UK. Amidst headlining tours, Harper made his SXSW and Bonnaroo debuts this year and recently opened for Kris Kristofferson, Tori Amos and Marianne Faithfull. Last week Harper played a very special solo acoustic show to a packed crowd at NYC’s City Winery and will play at the Aarhus Festival in Denmark on August 26.
Harper’s debut is a colorful illustration of his musical vision, filled with ‘60s and ‘70s psychedelic country and rock sounds that make his songs sound as if they could easily fit into the great American songbook. Warm melodies and beautiful lyrics float over lush strings, horns and Harper’s exquisite guitar playing, ushering him onto the scene as a substantial new artist with a sophisticated voice, seriousness of purpose and a boundless appreciation for American music.