BILL HARLEY “HIGH DIVE”
In this house, it is always a special occasion when Bill Harley releases a new album. His stories and songs are as cherished by my kids as their cuddliest stuffed animals and most well-thumbed books. Harley’s latest, “High Dive”, starts strong with the title track story-song sure to get a chuckle out of anyone who, as a child, was in love with a much older gal or girl (think: you’re 9 and the object of your undying affection is, say, 15-ish). As enjoyable as this ode to public swimming pool embarrassment and unquenchable romance is, the album’s shining moment is “Field Trip”, an extremely intricate 32-minute story with several arcs and numerous payoffs. It’s a story within a story about discovering who you really are, as others view you, over the course of several game-changing incidents, and then taking some ownership of your faults. That might sound heavy, and on some level it is, but like most everything Bill Harley does, the hilarity and the wisdom and the tenderness run concurrently, making you think/laugh/cry/remember/project all at the same time or very near the same time. It’s a brilliant example of his supreme gift; to gracefully swing the inclusion all of those emotions and actions inside the belly of a single narrative, and do so in such a manner that a wide array of aged listeners can each take something from it. “Field Trip” may do THAT better than any story he’s crafted during his illustrious career. And I say this not only because the tale includes two of the finest phrases/moments of any Harley album I’ve ever heard (I will resist the urge to spoil ’em outright…pssst: one arrives early at the 2-minute mark), but also because it is a 32-minute story that you and your kids will want to listen to over and over again, on consecutive listens in all likelihood, and will not tire of easily. Doesn’t get more impressive than that, folks.
In just over a half an hour, “Field Trip” does what even the greatest of sitcoms need a full season to pull off, and does it with plenty of room to breath and reflect along the way. You’ve gotta hear it and the rest of Bill Harley’s “High Dive”. Take the plunge, I guarantee there will be no embarrassment in doing so.
*OWTK received a copy of “High Dive” for review consideration. The opinions above are honest and unbiased, as always.