I don’t normally review any singles made to support charities. However I’m more than happy to let everyone know about this one. The new release in question is ‘Catch A Falling Star’ by Hi-Fi Sneakers. The proceeds of the sale of the single are all going to a very worthwhile & important cause the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, so do please support them. It was with some trepidation that i approached this release. The original recording of ‘Catch A Falling Star’ was a Christmas hit way back in December 1957, backed with ‘Magic Moments’ & sung by Perry Como, it was one of my departed Dads all time favourites & holds an important memory for me. However I needn’t have had any concerns, this 2023 version is an uplifting delight. From the intro sprinkled with ‘Christmas bells’ this up-temp re-imagining of the song swings along at a good pace & I’ve soon put Perry out of mind. I particularly like the horn augmentation & vocalist Tich Turner sounds great. It’s been many, many years since I first saw him perform with Whisky Mac, more than either of us probably care to remember! Back then my abiding impression of Tich was a cross between Mick Jagger & Steve Marriott. Sadly over the intervening years I haven’t seen him perform in the various bands he’s been in, due to our differing work schedules. On ‘Catch A Falling Star’ his voice has attained a warm, mature feel, albeit still with an edge, much like a finely matured aforementioned Whisky Mac! Hi-Fi Sneakers are a well respected London band, well known on the South London scene & comprise of Tich Turner (vocals) Matt Percival (guitar) Derek Sumption (keyboards) Bob Kelly (bass) & James Britton (drums) & are augmented on this release by a horn section of John O’Neill, John Telfer & Dave Boraston. A thought struck me forcibly as i was listening to the song play that it would be a perfect fit to feature in the soundtrack of a Rom-Com movie, like ‘Four Weddings’ or ‘Love Actually’ Directors are always looking to use an updated version of a classic in these movies. look no further! I sincerely hope the single does well & makes a good sum for a very worthwhile charity & next time i make it to London I’m off to a Hi-Fi Sneakers gig. That’s a promise.
Til next time, take care………..Colin 