"My Old School" (Steely Dan Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- "My Old School" (Steely Dan Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
Original Video: • My Old School - Leonid...
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This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.
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As a retired recording engineer, I have to applaud the engineers. Yes, the performances are spot on, but so is the recording and mixing!!!!
they never get the recognition they should. They mix it so it sounds like this. This is studio master quality.
Leonid does most of the sound engineering.
Igor driving the bus. the horns as smooth as mayo and perfect feel from the group. Vocals on point and guitarist pulling licks like a boss, no easy feat!
I'm continually amazed by Igor's drumming. The guy is just a machine. Notice how simple his kit is....nothing super fancy or flashy, just super responsive and perfect tuning. The man truly is a master of his craft.
Listen to Barriemore Barlow's drumming on Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play", and realize he did everything on that LP on a kit this same size.
It sounds like he had a kit the size of Billy Cobham's kit, or Neal Peart's.
I don’t know anything about the drums but I’ve never seen a drummer more relaxed than Igor with his posture and demeanor. He always looks like he’s about to look over and ask someone to bring him a beer. He also looks like a high school football coach to me. Love his college T shirts also.
P.S. I guess he’s not as relaxed as El Estepario, who’s in a different category since Igor doesn’t smoke, drink or read a book while he’s playing the drums.
As a drummer I am a huge fan of Igor. The guy is a human metronome.
I've been mesmerized by the arabesques and trails that Igor's drumsticks describe as he lays down the beat, especially in his work on "25 or 6 to 4".
On a humanitarian note, I pray that these guys, this agglomeration of iridescent talent, as well as their families, loved ones, and all Ukrainians, are safe and well these days.
Indeed, Ksenia never looked more beautiful.
I can't stop watching this. I am so captivated how Leonid and his friends added a punch and sparkle to this song. I hope Steely Dan and the guys have watched how much respect is given to the original. Can we give props to the tightest horn section ever? I've loved SD since I was in my 20's. I'm 71 now and watching Leonid and Friends makes me feel like back in my 20's!
I'm also 71 and started listening to SD and Chicago in my late teens and all through my 30 's. Like Jeff has said', listening to Leonid and Friends takes me back to the exact same feelings that I experienced when I heard these songs for the very first time!
I am a bass player and I have to say playing with Igor would be an absolute dream!
they are all world class musicians.
We met the band on their US tour in 2018. They are such humble and gracious people. We have had them in our house 2 times for dinner. They played "color my world" on our baby grand piano, and this past September showed up again, and played an acoustic version of "my old school" for my wife (her favorite SD song). The piano player just nailed it. The piano intro to this song is just so cool. We've seen them live 8 times. Always a blast.
They nailed every aspect of that song! It’s not an easy song to play either. 😉
Having seen "L & F" three times, I can honestly say without hesitation, they have no equal when coming to LIVE shows. Absolutely stellar musicianship, flawless vocals and harmonies and a spirit and energy that is infectious. As a career musician of 50 years, I've seen many hundreds of bands perform. IMHO "Leonid & Friends" stand alone.
I've only been to one of their live shows, but I dare say there are very few who were disappointed at buying a ticket to one of their shows. Leonid really did something amazing with this project.
Note the smile on Leonid - (Bass) he is enjoying The Rox Brother on lead guitar RIPPING the licks to the end .... Insane ! jj
This is one of my favorite Dan songs. I'm a guitar player, so now you know why. This song contains some of the best guitar work ever to come down to planet Earth, and you're right, the guitar player nailed it. Personally, I take license to play with solos, but with this one, I almost always play it straight up. The rhythm, breaks, and power of the extended solos are second to none. Becker and Fagen were known for hiring some of the best studio musicians on the planet, and that was in clear evidence in the recording of this song.
Not to try to diminish your understanding, but to expand it; Denny Dias, the probable guitarist on the song, hired B/F back East when they were trying to find a identity,
So, the hiring went the other way around.
Jeff Baxter is the other guitarist from the first days of the Dan, and it's entirely possible that one or more of the solo breaks were his, too, as he was present for the making of it.
Walter started out on guitar, but played bass for a few years 'til he could manage the intricacies of Donald's needs from his guitar breaks.
I am so grateful for the infinite joy that Steely Dan has brought to me since I was a teenager in the 80’s with their music. And this cover is fantastic!
That guitarist is fire! Singing and playing such a complex part at the same time is incredible at this level. As usual the whole band nailed the song, many kudos!
Leonid & Friends consistently capture the SPIRIT of the songs and recordings. It's not simply that they mimic.
A little over two years ago I was searching UA-cam to listen to My Old School, and this version popped up. Like you it was instant and constant smiles and was blown away by the musicians and vocals. I immediately started watching all of Leonid and Friends tributes , Chicago, TofP, EWF, and have enjoyed every single one so much. Only two words describe their music, collective genius.
🤝❤
In a similar way I was searching for Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 several years ago when L&F's version popped up and it really blew me away. So I began listening to all of their covers as well and when I heard this version of MOS it's amazing that this guy nailed Skunk Baxter's guitar parts lick for lick. And I don't play but it seems to me this would be a very difficult song to replicate on guitar. Music really is the international language.
Me too. I'd like to see them play more TOP, Chicago and BS&T.
I never thought id hear someone beable to cover the amazing Steely Dan like this until they did this. I almost fell over literally.
Totally agree with you!!
Don’t forget to mention Igor (the drummer) - he nails everything!
Keep watching my videos 😄
As one who, like you, was a fan when all of Leonid's covers were new, I can say it is great watching someone who is so well suited to his profession witness the pure joy this group brings to music. That feeling is further reinforced when you see them live. They just knock it out of the park, every time! Thanks for showing us your reaction!
I’m with you. It’s very refreshing to have such “professional” appreciation. I’m so happy this popped up today as I’ve watched the other reviews too many times already. 😂
Thank you my friend!
@dotlund1096 🫶
This wonderful song is just quintessential Americana from the 70s decade golden age of rock. To see it played so marvelously well by a group of Russian musicians is - well, trying to get my head around that. What math does one use to compute that equation?
It's like not only that the instrument playing is so precise, so professional, done so energetically (you viscerally sense the energy they convey through this song) - but it's just so damn uncanny that these Russian folk can nail American English vocals the way they do. And in EVERY song that Leonid & Friends do a cover for, they just always nail the vocals. Am a fan of opera and lot of opera singers do that expertly as well - sing opera in a language that is not their native language. But still, the vocals for this song is just so beguiling as to how well it aligns to the Steely Dan original.
I love all the Chicago covers that Leonid and Friends do, but my two favorites are this Steely Dan song and then the cover of Karen Carpenter's wonderful voice that Ksenia Buzina does. She is so uncanny - never heard anyone else sing a Carpenters song as well as Ksenia does. They're my two favorites because I think these two songs have the most superb vocal renditions (but the other Chicago songs do wonderfully with the vocals too, by all means).
Now something about Leonid and Friends doing these classic songs that makes them so superbly enjoyable is that we can watch them perform these songs on UA-cam. That just adds like a 1000% to the experience of the song. This one here is an exemplar. I have most of Steely Dan on vinyl but to see this song being performed vs just hearing it - that just greatly heightens my enjoyment.
Kudos! kudos! To these our Russian friends associated with all the Leonid and Friends productions and performances - their studio, youtube, live tours, etc. (That's a fluid cast of people - will see many others in their other material than just those in this particular performance.)
They are from UKRAINE !!!
@@heikkikinnunen444 No there is only one from there. Rest are from Russia.
In most covers or tributes, the lead singer is either playing the piano part or nothing at all. Not only does the lead guitarist nail that part impeccably but also sings lead with his brother harmonizing. Pretty amazing talent.
Wow that lead guitar is killer. Igor is one of the best drummers right now in the world.Two perfectionists Leonid and Donald Fagan. I have seen them both live. This band and singers are amazing! You can tell they love what they do and I love that they are sharing their talent with the world. I would like to see them do more Steely Dan. Green Earrings comes to mind. 😁
Steely Dan's music is really tough to cover and get it right! Very complex riffs, weird chord changes, you name it! Like everything else they do, Leonid & friends just knocked it out of the park!!😍🎵🎶👍👍👍
The guitar outro is outrageously good.
Yes!!!
N A I L E D I T !!
Just got off a cruise ship in the Caribbean with 30 AMAZING BANDS (On the Blues Cruise) and This band STOLE THE SHOW!!! Hard to do with the caliber of musicians and bands on this boat!
Dam...not any cruise I've been on. I would be fortunate to have a band as SWEET as this on Carnival.
Really glad you reacted to this classic Jeff. We know how excellent L & F are at ticking all the boxes and this is no exception. as a massive SD fan my only personal disappointment is they haven’t (yet!) covered more of their material. We can only hope this is a temporary mishap and will correct itself in the near future.thanks again Jeff for showing your passion and love for great music 👍🔥🤩
love the rhythm section
Just when think you have heard all these brilliant musicians a nother one pops up
Alexander Pozdnyakov has his Skunk down cold! And his Ace Ventura! Perfect tone and he nails all those harmonics. I wonder if Skunk Baxter has heard this.
Thanks for making me laugh (Ace Ventura)! 😂
Without doubt the best cover of any cover I've ever heard. Tons of practice and rehearsal, and that's the impressive part. Covering a Steely Dan tune is tough, but this tune is a challenge. They nailed it.
I was wrong about 20 yrs ago when I said that Steely Dan could never be replicated.
TIGHT and spot on! This group is simply beyond cliche descriptions.
These guys really nailed it especially the guitarist and the horns! Jeff "Skunk" Baxter would be amazed.
Hey, let's not forget the guy who played the heck out of this cowbell !
I have to say it, “more cowbell.” 😊
😂🤣😂
I said it, too!
Truly amazing and likely the most technically accurate cover they have recorded yet.
One of the reasons it is so much fun to listen to you tell us about it from angles that "We, the unwashed masses" wouldn't ever have a clue about! Thank you!
😂🤣😂 you literally made me laugh out loud Erik!
Watching and listening to them perform "live" is a treat! The horn section will turn their horns to the side of the stage to do a little private performance for those in the audience that are seated to the side.
Thanks Jeff!! I knew you would be stunned to silence by Rox Bros great, Alexander Pozdnyakov on guitar and lead vocals. He absolutely CRUSHED both the guitar solos and the vocals! His brother and partner in crime Nikita (answering the call for "more cowbell"), was amazing and right on pitch on the high harmonies. I once had the pleasure of seeing Steely Dan at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois, where they played the entire Aja album from start to finish, and I'm so glad this wonderful music is being kept alive and fresh for whole new generations of listeners!! Thank you Leonid & Friends!! Other than having a separate camera on Ksenia the whole video, I don't know how it could get any better than that!!
The keyboard player is amazing!
They must be studio musicians, like the Russian equivalent of the Wrecking Crew is my theory.
I made this comment on one of your other Leonid and Friends reactions...it's mind blowing that English is not their own language! To get all the subtle nuances right (we take them for granted) requires TONS of work!!
what a classic song!!!! One of the best written and musically performed songs ever!!!
Really enjoying a review of Leonid's interpretation done by someone who appreciates what it takes to put a great song together! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Sam!
Igor is a machine!!
Awesome magical music from S. D. by a superpower group L. & Friends. 😮😮😮😮😮😮
I would like to point out the drummer wearing The Ohio State Buckeyes shirt, too. O-H!
This is their older recording when Serge Tyagniriadno was still there- Michael Puntov has taken his place since the war
Does Ksenia EVER not look amazing! LOL Talk about gorgeous!
Stunning
love your enthusiasm for this band, a must see live.
They are really good man they rock .awesome
Not to take anything away from original artists; Leonid and Friends are much more tight and on point! I have said before, they do Chicago better than Chicago! This applies to any tunes they do by any group. I think you have hit on the formula for the secret sauce! Today's recording equipment is much more advanced than equipment that was used 40 years ago. I salute Leonid and his Friends for continuing the Legacy of these great Groups. Many thanks for your commentary and analysis. You are appreciated!!! 🎺🎶🎵👍
Thank you my friend!
I wouldn't say tighter, it's cleaner. A little too clean. The slightly off key and looser horn parts whenever Mexico is mentioned is intentional on the original version, a flavor Eastern Euros really don't fully understand about authentic Mexican music.
Everything else is dead on to what Donald and Walter scored, and the guitar solos are near perfection especially in tone.
Enjoyed ur upload analysis n insight of Leonid & Friends' My Old School. One of my ALL-TIME favorite songs ! Kudos for vid. New subscriber because of this upload. Anticipating ur next one. Peace
I'm speechless too. Awesome cover of an awesome song. Actually watching this cover has made me appreciate this song even more
There is noting L&F cannot do!! Excellently !!
I play their playlist all the time. Car, home, before I sleep, damn their good!
These guys are phenomenal!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jeff , another stellar track .
So appreciate you hittin this .
Steely Dan remains at the Top of the Top Shelf , and this cover honors their brilliance .
Totally agree Tim!
You know it's fantastic when the reviewer is smiling the whole time... Leonid has done amazing with this band, no doubt.
WHOOOOWEEEEEE! So fun. Ksenia had a blast.
'73, Countdown To Ecstacy. One of four bands I've always thought stood out from the rest of the fantastic bands of the late '60s & '70s (Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac). Early Chicago being the closest addition to the Fav Four! Agreed on the lead guitar, it can't be easy standing in for Walter Becker!
Absolutely amazing what a great cover. These guys are truly exceptional musicians!!
The video quality of Leonid's videos is absolutely amazing - wow. What a wonderful and happy experience it must be to be part of this wonderful group of the world's best - best in all respects that are their respective fields of endeavor - singing, arranging, filmography - EVERYTHING!
Leonid and Friends is ABSOLUTELY THE BEST Cover Band in the World! I've seen them LIVE and can't wait to see them again. Check out L&F's version of Chicago's STREET PLAYER with horn solo by Arturo Sandoval. Their version is WAY BETTER than the Chicago original!
One of my favorite songs they do!
SD and Donald's solo work...the best there is.
I keep getting distracted by the impossibly beautiful Ksenia Buzina. 😊 But seriously, if you want to cover Steely Dan, you have to bring your A game. They nailed this one.
Jeff Baxter would be so proud of the guitar solo. If you know him, please let him know!
Simply amazing people and talent here. WOW!
I'll bet you were running sound on these freaking guys! I know would!
Even the personnel change time to time, the level of excellence is still top . A Steely Dan fan as you are. Grettings
💯% Awesome take a bow.
Fantastic band! Saw them twice!
As great as their Chicago stuff is, I think this is their best cover.
I have Steely Dan's piano books. I didn't know Leonid and Friends did SD!! YAY!
There is a youtube of Ian Paice reviewing Leonid and Friends performing Stormbringer....Great video
This is my favorite SD tune and I have probably listened to it a thousand times. In all that time, I never noticed that little bit of dissonance in the horn part until you pointed it out. I can’t believe I missed that! Now I have to wonder if Leonid missed it, (unlikely) or if he chose not to replicate it. Hmmm…🤔
Loved this version without a doubt.
The Lon Bronson Band in Vegas is the only ones Iv'e heard that can play Steely Dan covers with caliber.
Thank you
Wow "Dirty Loops"? I was knocked out when I first heard them on the first uploads on YT. I see it was 12 years ago!! Looks like I have some catching up to do.
You most certainly do…don’t forget to watch my interview with Jonah Nilsson as well.
Leonard & Friends seem to make every track bright and tight. Bringing great music back to life for new ears & eyes to enjoy. Good choice of 20 more yet to review. Go for it Geoff. I'm loving your reactions. Subscribed today. Thanks mate. Cheers from Sydney Australia.
Thanks for the sub my friend!
They bring this fantastic tune "back" to the fun and playfulness of SD´s "Can´t Buy A Thrill" with the perfection of "Aja". Lovin´ it!!!
Yes!
They are simply the best! What a great group of musicians! They nailed this tune! Great job on your analysis, BTW! I have subscribed!
Thank you for the sub Keith! 😃👏👏👏
Color my world is also a great song done by Lenoid&friends.
Loved your analysis at 8:20. Guitarist Jeff 'Skunk" Baxter has said in interviews that he had to fight Becker & Fagen to keep his "loose" lead guitar solos on the album version of this song. And we all owe Jimmie Haskell big time for his brilliant saxophone arrangement on the original -- especially that moment when California tumbles into the sea to the bleat of a baritone sax.
Great comment, thank you! 😊👏
@@joelhoulette3244 Baxter's guitar work on "Rikki" should have gotten him a co-songwriting credit. It's clearly a major reason why that song was Steely Dan's highest-charting single at #4. Same goes for Elliott Randall's lead guitar on their earlier hit, "Reelin' In the Years."
I admire and appreciate your passion for good music. Keep it going, man. Peace!
Love every thing they do. I would love to see your reaction to their song "Speck of Dust". I think it might be an original song.
I'd see these guys I'm hooked in big time ty..
These guys are probably some of the best rock musicians in all of Russia. Dare I say the vocals on this are better than the original?
One of my favorite covers. Smoked it.
Oddly enough, the first time my wife and I saw Steely Dan in concert on their 1974 "Pretzel Logic" album tour they let guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter sing lead on "My Old School." No horns or female backing vocalists on that tour, so this live performance is easily the most faithful re-creation of the album track I've ever heard. Hard to believe now that this song topped out at #63 on the singles charts in 1973. Over the years it's become every Steely Dan tribute band's set closer.
It’s such a fun tune and one that grew on me more and more as time went by.
@@StrateleStudios Fun is the word, Jeff. Hearing this song on FM radio in July of 1973, made me go out and buy their 2nd album, "Countdown To Ecstasy." My wife and I played "My Old School" obsessively, and then watched Steely Dan play it live (without horns) later that summer on NBC's "The Midnight Special" (now available on UA-cam). Then in November 1973 they lip-synched (without horns) to the 45-single version on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand." Bassist Walter Becker could not have looked less enthused.
Thanks, Jeff. Perfection!
This is a very good cover. (And I don’t say this lightly since SteelyDan has been my favorite band for over 40 years…)
The happiest band on UA-cam.
You sound like me when I listen to these guys!
My UA-cam monicker should tell you my appreciation for Steely Dan. My favorite artist of all time. I like to just listen to their discography end to end. They really don’t have a bad song. Love your reactions. I’ve been a L&F follower from way back. They are so tight and accurate it’s scary. Please keep going down the L&F rabbit hole. Also check out Lexington Lab Band if you haven’t. Equally good.
PERFECTO!!!!!!!!!
You need to review their version of One Fine Morning!
I’m 67 , I have been A Dan fan since the first album I know all of their material note for note L&F nailed it!!!!! Very cool 😎
they are always incredibly tight, and true to the originals...
Sure they have twenty musicians or more COVERING the Likes of CHICAGO, STEELY DAN & other American groups of note .... but, the Excellent arrangements and vocals, high caliber musicians doing solos .... just great !! The Horns are skilled as well. Love these Russian Music makers !!! GBjj