I discovered Leonid and Friends two weeks ago, and haven't stopped playing them since. I'm a retired musician/music tutor and thought I'd seen and heard it all. I was a student when EW&F brought this out. It is not close to the original. IT IS HOW THE ORIGINAL SOUNDS. Leonid has got it absolutely spot on perfect. I'm so pleased that this band is showing that musicians bring the world together. Politicians push the world apart. Seeing this band makes me want to play music again. I hope I do. Even only as my tribute to Leonid and Friends
Love your reactions! As a longtime follower of EWF, this is a beautiful and awesome rendition of "In the Stone". Agree with you that every aspect of this arrangement was so tight and the balance of every instrument interwoven with the vocals. I found myself thinking, "THIS sounds almost better than the original!" The musicians not only are extremely talented but you can see the genuine joy and their passion playing this song.
L&F has no competition...they are the BEST at what they do...Horns, drums, guitars, orchestra, vocals are superb. Arrangements are impressive..Leonid has done things no one else has done!! 😀💥💥☝
Omg, I´m just binging your Leonid & friends reactions... so much FUN!!! That lead singers voice just caught me byv surprise, very positively! At the end of another video of them was Russia/Ukraine written in the credits - love that statement in these crazy and volent times!!!
You said you aren’t familiar with this song…. Well you just heard it exactly as EW&F played it. What’s truly amazing to me, I saw an interview with Leonid and he said (at least for the Chicago covers) they had no written charts to arrange by. He totally arranges their charts by ear! If the same is true for this, he did an amazing job. Very true to the original.
It's even better than that. L&F's aim is to do live covers of other groups' studio recordings. EWF can't perform their own songs live and make them sound precisely like their own studio recordings, for example. Quite a feat.
Ive listened to both Chicago and EWF going back to the 80's and it's not just that musically hit the right notes, they capture EVERYTHING...the vibe, the rhythm, the spirit. They have an IT factor in their performances I can't describe, but actually gets me choked up it sounds so beautiful.
In my opinion as a lifelong horn player who has played this song, Leonid & Friends have gone to another level of performance which is very difficult to replicate. To take something from Earth Wind & Fire and super enhance it to make it sound like this? Absolutely astonishing!
A special comment for the arranger of EWF. Hear and enjoy the second line behind the vocals. Amazing peace of geniality! Please get the B/G, and listen to it. A few times I ve listened such a superb combination! It took me for a ride of emotions and feelings. Damn, this is musical talent!
What an incredible cover. Sure hope this group is getting the notice it deserves. This was just a wonderful and flawless performance. And as always your comments were enthusiastic, informed and a delight to listen to.
I've been a huge EW&F fan since 1975. They are my favorite band--all genres. Leonid & Friends just KILLED this song (and all other EWF songs...and Chicago songs) These guys blow away whatever is currently passing these days for EW&F and Chicago!
I got to see them live in Birmingham, AL, a couple years' ago and they were just as good live! I have tickets to see them again in Oxford, AL, in March!
Love this, this group is amazing! The unsung hero in all of their tunes is the mixing. It sounds dead on to the originals. That's the first thing I keyed in on when I first heard them. What a group!
I've been watching Leonid and Friends since I stumbled across their very first video when it first came out. Of all their amazing performances, this is one of my very favorites. It is spellbinding in its faithfulness to the original.
This was just fire! Inpeccable, and EXACTLY the way, Earth, Wind and Fire did it. It is just great that their musical legacy is kept alive. Thank you very much for your great reaction as well as for your final words on keeping the dire political aspect out of artistic reviews. All the very best from Germany
Amazing isn't it? Music truly is the universal language. The next deep space probe needs to carry an inclusive catalogue of the music of earth, including these guys. To want something so bad that you do the transcribing, find the best musicians and convince them to join you.... I'm left speechless. It's not just good, it's the definition of excellence.
Earth, Wind & Fire is one of my favorite groups. I never thought I would hear anybody who could cover them the way Leonid & Friends did. Like you kept saying they are so tight. I have listened to almost everything that they’ve done on UA-cam. Fantastic!
Another banger from Leonid & Friends, this again is another great cover which is very much a perfect reproduction of the original studio version, thanks for the reaction Jeff, I can't wait to see your reaction to Leonid & Friends version of Steely Dan's My Old School, I think you're gonna love it too.
As a musician myself when you actually “Feel” the music and its meaning everything is as tight as can be, thus all the smiles! I so remember this feeling and its magic to say the least!
Esos Chelos suenan enojados son increíbles me encantan el baterista con lo justo es el ritmo que hace los trompetistas son el fondo destacado mi hermano me enseñó a escuchar todos los instrumentos a parte de todo lo demás ... Son increíbles me emociona al escucharlos con tanta precisión y el gusto alegre con que lo hacen lo llevan dentro son músicos de gerarquia no me canso de escucharlos ... Soy de Buenos Aires Argentina saludos cordiales maestros !!
I grew up with EWF as well as Chicago, so can I definitely confirm the original is identical to the human ear. I challenge you to play the original side by side and you'll notice that even the timing is spot on! Thanks so much for appreciating this incredible band as much as I do. The very first time I heard them, I'm not ashamed to say, brought tears of joy from appreciating how faithful and accurate they are to the original recording.
Thanks for this, Jeff! I knew you would love it! It's very faithful to the original recording, but with today's recording and mixing technology, Leonid & Friends really take it to another level! 😊 I can't wait to see your reaction to Leonid & Friends version of Steely Dan's "My Old School". It's gonna be fun!!
Wow, they did an amazing job. EWF would be proud I'm sure. As a life long fan of theirs, I have to say I'm very impressed. Not many bands could successfully pull of EWF and sound this good!
We know how good L & F are with Chicago and EWF material in particular but really is there anything off limits to this talented bunch of musicians? The answer is a hard no. Love your work and your enthusiasm Jeff. Keep it up 🤩🥳🎉👌
I've seen them 4 times and my 5th is coming this October. Their music is an feast for my ears. Makes us all feel we're back in the innocence of our youth!
Se te caen las medias y los calzones escuchando a ésta gente linda ... Cómo soplan esos caños son terribles lo que hacen saxo trompeta trombón son 6 y parecen 20 ... No me canso de escucharlos a todos son parejos el cantante primera voz más el coro son hermosos todos no tengo palabras ... Desde Buenos Aires Argentina gracias
Hello Mr. SMr. S...This group is amazing, and lets remember they are from Russia. That is a feat in its self. They also do Chicago covers that are awesome. Lets hear those. Especially with Leonid lead vocals. Thanks. You are doing an amazing thing here. Keep it up Eric in New orleans
Composer, producer, and songwriter Leonid Vorobyev loved the American band Chicago. He decided he would give himself a birthday gift in the form of a song from his favourite American band. Having no sheet music and never having seen Chicago perform live, he deconstructed his first of many Chicago songs by ear, put it to paper, and reconstructed it. He then assembled a group of Russian and Ukrainian musicians and recorded it. He ended up with a cover version of "Make Me Smile" that sounded better than the original, in my humble opinion. This original song gave new meaning to "overnight success" as the video went viral. Leonid and his friends were overwhelmed by the response they had from the public and have since gone on to cover other bands such as Steely Dan and Earth, Wind, and Fire. This track is as tight in the horn section as any I have ever heard. Simply beautiful music. This has to my favorite so far. The complexity of this composition is beyond words and the horn section! Wow!!!!
So good! They make me smile. Every time. Love Andrey's horn twirl at 4:03. He's no longer on the band, but Valery (far left) has filled his shoes nicely.
nice to have a studio pro appreciate the incredible-ness of l&f tributes as for fidelity of this cover, it is virtually note-for-note and perhaps (to my ear, anyway) better than the original "in the stone" has always been a favorite of mine, but it took a simultaneous left-right playback of both to fully understand how well leonid transcribed and mixed the tune... astounding keep up the good work, jeff!
The smiles on their faces you referred to - very sincere! Spending time with them before and after the shows they are always smiling and truly happy to be doing what they are doing. Re "My Old School" video they use two brothers who are not part of the band. But even when they perform live without those two, they still sound absolutely terrific!
Shows what having the right leader leading a band can do in terms of inspiration, joie de vivre, esprit de corps and just plain lovin' every spoonful of the dollops of the precious time they have together working! Would that we could all be so lucky as to be part of such a magical, immensely talented group and be led by a leader who HAS to be a genius of the highest caliber. Imagine if we had such as he - with political gifts leading our country right now? We wouldn't be in the fine kettle of fish we have been deliberately thrust into - oh well, 2024 is coming - and God willing - a new wind, that was once there before - will blow into town and right our ship of state the way Leonid and Friends play every work they undertake - pitch perfect and spot on!
Yes, Jeff. EVERYTHING you hear Leonid and Friends play is EXACTLY AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY RECORDED. EXACTLY. It doesn’t matter which chart, or which band. IT. IS. EXACT. Who else does this? NO ONE!!!!!!!!!!!
How many times have we confidently said .... There is none like = 1) CHICAGO 2) Earth Wind & Fire 3) Steely Dan ..... well THERE IS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kudos you all, GBjj
Loved it! After your review/reaction to L&Fs cover of My Old School, you really should go an additional layer deeper into the onion and listen to the Rox Bros cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. (They are featured in My Old School and Stormbringer covers and sit in in other studio versions from time to time…..HIGHLY skilled in their own right!
This is as close as it's ever possible to sound like EWF. What I love about Leonid & Friends is that they enjoy what they do....entertain us with memories that evoke another time and place.
My god! My Russian and Ukrainian brethren brought rebirth to the best music of my and any other lifetime! Keep doing the same thang! Oh and I had to join this channel!
I discovered Leonid and Friends two weeks ago, and haven't stopped playing them since. I'm a retired musician/music tutor and thought I'd seen and heard it all. I was a student when EW&F brought this out. It is not close to the original. IT IS HOW THE ORIGINAL SOUNDS. Leonid has got it absolutely spot on perfect.
I'm so pleased that this band is showing that musicians bring the world together. Politicians push the world apart. Seeing this band makes me want to play music again. I hope I do. Even only as my tribute to Leonid and Friends
It’s a rhythmic masterpiece. Kudos to EWF and Leonid and Friends. ❤
Beautiful... The best cover band on earth. Love the energy all of them transmit.
Your reactions are just like mine. They are consistently just amazing. I would love to see them in concert.
Love your reactions! As a longtime follower of EWF, this is a beautiful and awesome rendition of "In the Stone". Agree with you that every aspect of this arrangement was so tight and the balance of every instrument interwoven with the vocals. I found myself thinking, "THIS sounds almost better than the original!" The musicians not only are extremely talented but you can see the genuine joy and their passion playing this song.
L&F has no competition...they are the BEST at what they do...Horns, drums, guitars, orchestra, vocals are superb. Arrangements are impressive..Leonid has done things no one else has done!! 😀💥💥☝
You are right on, they are fantastic!
It's a truly talented group of musicians in their own right, and together they're just amazing!
Omg, I´m just binging your Leonid & friends reactions... so much FUN!!! That lead singers voice just caught me byv surprise, very positively!
At the end of another video of them was Russia/Ukraine written in the credits - love that statement in these crazy and volent times!!!
So good!
TIGHT yes!
Such beauty and precision. Reliving the 70s and 80s with this band.
They all look like they are having the time of their lives smiling string section
You said you aren’t familiar with this song…. Well you just heard it exactly as EW&F played it. What’s truly amazing to me, I saw an interview with Leonid and he said (at least for the Chicago covers) they had no written charts to arrange by. He totally arranges their charts by ear! If the same is true for this, he did an amazing job. Very true to the original.
Sometimes they like to add their own hot sauce to it so wasn’t sure hahaha.
It's even better than that. L&F's aim is to do live covers of other groups' studio recordings. EWF can't perform their own songs live and make them sound precisely like their own studio recordings, for example. Quite a feat.
Ive listened to both Chicago and EWF going back to the 80's and it's not just that musically hit the right notes, they capture EVERYTHING...the vibe, the rhythm, the spirit. They have an IT factor in their performances I can't describe, but actually gets me choked up it sounds so beautiful.
NICE!! 👏🏾😄
@RobertClaeson no my friend I saw EWF live almost 45 years ago when the entire group was together and they sounded better than the studio recording.
In my opinion as a lifelong horn player who has played this song, Leonid & Friends have gone to another level of performance which is very difficult to replicate. To take something from Earth Wind & Fire and super enhance it to make it sound like this? Absolutely astonishing!
Master Maurice White a true genius!!!! God gifted!!
Leonid also does the sound production. Saw them and cutie Daniil sing this live in San Jose!
The crazy thing is when you hear them perform live they're JUST AS GOOD!
A special comment for the arranger of EWF. Hear and enjoy the second line behind the vocals. Amazing peace of geniality! Please get the B/G, and listen to it. A few times I ve listened such a superb combination! It took me for a ride of emotions and feelings. Damn, this is musical talent!
What an incredible cover. Sure hope this group is getting the notice it deserves. This was just a wonderful and flawless performance. And as always your comments were enthusiastic, informed and a delight to listen to.
It's the drummer !!!
I've been a huge EW&F fan since 1975. They are my favorite band--all genres. Leonid & Friends just KILLED this song (and all other EWF songs...and Chicago songs)
These guys blow away whatever is currently passing these days for EW&F and Chicago!
I got to see them live in Birmingham, AL, a couple years' ago and they were just as good live! I have tickets to see them again in Oxford, AL, in March!
I am familiar with the original version and this version is spot on
Love this, this group is amazing! The unsung hero in all of their tunes is the mixing. It sounds dead on to the originals. That's the first thing I keyed in on when I first heard them. What a group!
I've been watching Leonid and Friends since I stumbled across their very first video when it first came out. Of all their amazing performances, this is one of my very favorites. It is spellbinding in its faithfulness to the original.
they did a GREAT job with the song
This was just fire! Inpeccable, and EXACTLY the way, Earth, Wind and Fire did it. It is just great that their musical legacy is kept alive. Thank you very much for your great reaction as well as for your final words on keeping the dire political aspect out of artistic reviews.
All the very best from Germany
BRAVO!!!
It goes beyond tight with all these musicians! I always listen with my headphones, and every instrument is heard clearly! Amazing!
Me too❤ it’s unbelievably gorgeous all their songs
Amazing isn't it? Music truly is the universal language. The next deep space probe needs to carry an inclusive catalogue of the music of earth, including these guys. To want something so bad that you do the transcribing, find the best musicians and convince them to join you.... I'm left speechless. It's not just good, it's the definition of excellence.
Earth, Wind & Fire is one of my favorite groups. I never thought I would hear anybody who could cover them the way Leonid & Friends did. Like you kept saying they are so tight. I have listened to almost everything that they’ve done on UA-cam. Fantastic!
What's stunning is English is not their first language
They have to be one of the best cover bands in the world right now 👏👏👏👌👌👌
Maravilhoso de mais, já foi analisado e avaliado por mim e é nota 10.
Perfeito em tudo !
THE HARDEST-WORKING TRIBUTE BAND IN THE BUSINESS TODAY! BRAVO!!!
Watching you appreciate the work they do makes the performance even better. Thanks for the great reviews!
Thanks for watching!
Couldn't agree more, i get more out of seeing a professional with such admiration get blown away, thought it was just me!
PLEASE PLESAE PLEASE Do a review of Leonid and Friends - Vehicle anything these folks touch is perfection!
Another banger from Leonid & Friends, this again is another great cover which is very much a perfect reproduction of the original studio version, thanks for the reaction Jeff, I can't wait to see your reaction to Leonid & Friends version of Steely Dan's My Old School, I think you're gonna love it too.
As a musician myself when you actually “Feel” the music and its meaning everything is as tight as can be, thus all the smiles! I so remember this feeling and its magic to say the least!
Esos Chelos suenan enojados son increíbles me encantan el baterista con lo justo es el ritmo que hace los trompetistas son el fondo destacado mi hermano me enseñó a escuchar todos los instrumentos a parte de todo lo demás ... Son increíbles me emociona al escucharlos con tanta precisión y el gusto alegre con que lo hacen lo llevan dentro son músicos de gerarquia no me canso de escucharlos ... Soy de Buenos Aires Argentina saludos cordiales maestros !!
Your smile and enthusiasm fill my heart with joy.
@@mbrookes1669 😊😊😊🫶
Brilliant cover, what a great choice!
The joy on Leonids face 🙏❤️😎
I grew up with EWF as well as Chicago, so can I definitely confirm the original is identical to the human ear. I challenge you to play the original side by side and you'll notice that even the timing is spot on! Thanks so much for appreciating this incredible band as much as I do. The very first time I heard them, I'm not ashamed to say, brought tears of joy from appreciating how faithful and accurate they are to the original recording.
Thanks for this, Jeff! I knew you would love it! It's very faithful to the original recording, but with today's recording and mixing technology, Leonid & Friends really take it to another level! 😊 I can't wait to see your reaction to Leonid & Friends version of Steely Dan's "My Old School". It's gonna be fun!!
Thank YOU John! 😊😊😊
Wow, they did an amazing job. EWF would be proud I'm sure. As a life long fan of theirs, I have to say I'm very impressed. Not many bands could successfully pull of EWF and sound this good!
This is why music is such a great thing !! Love ❤️
Ese final es una bomba 💣💣💣💣💥💥💥💥 se me eriza la piel son maravillosos...
Yes, you heard it amazingly JUST LIKE EW&F!!! EVEN BETTER BECAUSE THEY ARE SO TIGHT!!!!!,
Thanks, Jeff. A great feel-good song played to perfection. Love it!
Fabulous.
We know how good L & F are with Chicago and EWF material in particular but really is there anything off limits to this talented bunch of musicians? The answer is a hard no. Love your work and your enthusiasm Jeff. Keep it up 🤩🥳🎉👌
Pure joy.....best of the best
I've seen them 4 times and my 5th is coming this October. Their music is an feast for my ears. Makes us all feel we're back in the innocence of our youth!
Se te caen las medias y los calzones escuchando a ésta gente linda ... Cómo soplan esos caños son terribles lo que hacen saxo trompeta trombón son 6 y parecen 20 ... No me canso de escucharlos a todos son parejos el cantante primera voz más el coro son hermosos todos no tengo palabras ... Desde Buenos Aires Argentina gracias
Hello Mr. SMr. S...This group is amazing, and lets remember they are from Russia. That is a feat in its self. They also do Chicago covers that are awesome. Lets hear those. Especially with Leonid lead vocals. Thanks. You are doing an amazing thing here. Keep it up Eric in New orleans
Two words to define L&F : Joy and energy. Awesome group.
World-class musicians and singers. So tight is right! See them live this fall if you want a real treat!
Leonids ability to seek out the vocalist that most aligns to the original is beyond extraordinary.
Saw them live on their east coast 2023 tour amazing they have so much fun
I think the energy in that yellow jacket could power a small town.
😂👏👏👏
Energy? Is that what they are calling it now?
This is awesome. Love the joy on their faces as they play and sing. They make it so intriguing to watch. 👍
My favorite EWF song and for me one of the best intros in history and this tribute for me surpasses it.... Amazing!!!!!😯😯😯
EWF simply the BBEver !
Flawless!
When you hear the original version it will sound EXACTLY as this does. It is simply flawless.
It is so amazing how perfect it was!
Composer, producer, and songwriter Leonid Vorobyev loved the American band Chicago. He decided he would give himself a birthday gift in the form of a song from his favourite American band. Having no sheet music and never having seen Chicago perform live, he deconstructed his first of many Chicago songs by ear, put it to paper, and reconstructed it. He then assembled a group of Russian and Ukrainian musicians and recorded it.
He ended up with a cover version of "Make Me Smile" that sounded better than the original, in my humble opinion. This original song gave new meaning to "overnight success" as the video went viral.
Leonid and his friends were overwhelmed by the response they had from the public and have since gone on to cover other bands such as Steely Dan and Earth, Wind, and Fire.
This track is as tight in the horn section as any I have ever heard.
Simply beautiful music.
This has to my favorite so far. The complexity of this composition is beyond words and the horn section!
Wow!!!!
LEONID IS AGAIN A FREAKIN GENIUS !!!
I'm a huge Earth,Wind & Fire song and very familiar with "In the Stone". Leonid and Friends knocked it out of the park. They covered it very close
And the love story continues !!! :-)
She looks beautiful dancing
It is spot on. The horns are perfect on the emphasis.
They are SPOT ON!!! They are the best of the best
Takes me back to the Summer of 1979! What an awesome cover! Definitely took In The Stone to higher heights! Great reaction!
Jeff, they just dropped "I say a little prayer" Motown is back! You've got too see it!
Yellow is my new favorite color.
So good! They make me smile. Every time. Love Andrey's horn twirl at 4:03. He's no longer on the band, but Valery (far left) has filled his shoes nicely.
Love it...!!! Your reaction is also excellent!!!
The string section!
Leonid demands perfection. and he gets it!
I did not really know the EWF original. All I know is this was jaw-dropping. BTW, thank you for wearing yellow again. It's been too long.
nice to have a studio pro appreciate the incredible-ness of l&f tributes
as for fidelity of this cover, it is virtually note-for-note and perhaps (to my ear, anyway) better than the original
"in the stone" has always been a favorite of mine, but it took a simultaneous left-right playback of both to fully understand how well leonid transcribed and mixed the tune... astounding
keep up the good work, jeff!
Thank you my friend! 🫶
The smiles on their faces you referred to - very sincere! Spending time with them before and after the shows they are always smiling and truly happy to be doing what they are doing. Re "My Old School" video they use two brothers who are not part of the band. But even when they perform live without those two, they still sound absolutely terrific!
That guys are from Rox Bros, and they are really good. I just listened to their cover of "Bohemiam Rhapsody".
The other group you reviewed I enjoyed but, no one gets me hopping like Leonid and Friend's renditions of whatever they do!
Shows what having the right leader leading a band can do in terms of inspiration, joie de vivre, esprit de corps and just plain lovin' every spoonful of the dollops of the precious time they have together working!
Would that we could all be so lucky as to be part of such a magical, immensely talented group and be led by a leader who HAS to be a genius of the highest caliber.
Imagine if we had such as he - with political gifts leading our country right now? We wouldn't be in the fine kettle of fish we have been deliberately thrust into - oh well, 2024 is coming - and God willing - a new wind, that was once there before - will blow into town and right our ship of state the way Leonid and Friends play every work they undertake - pitch perfect and spot on!
Yes, Jeff. EVERYTHING you hear Leonid and Friends play is EXACTLY AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY RECORDED. EXACTLY. It doesn’t matter which chart, or which band. IT. IS. EXACT. Who else does this? NO ONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Ese final es tremendo !!! Un explosivo se me eriza la piel.... Señores ésto se llama MUSICA MUSICA MUSICA
this was on the movie "Drumline"
Spot on the original!
How many times have we confidently said .... There is none like = 1) CHICAGO 2) Earth Wind & Fire 3) Steely Dan ..... well THERE IS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kudos you all, GBjj
They are simply the best!
SO EXCITED THEY ARE COVERING EW& F NOW LOOOOOOVE IT❤❤❤❤❤❤
Loved it! After your review/reaction to L&Fs cover of My Old School, you really should go an additional layer deeper into the onion and listen to the Rox Bros cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. (They are featured in My Old School and Stormbringer covers and sit in in other studio versions from time to time…..HIGHLY skilled in their own right!
Let's not forget that they're singing in a language that isn't their own!! To achieve all the little subtle nuances in English is astounding!!
LOVE your reviews. And yes, these guys are the real thing. All of them!
Thank you my friend!
Earth Wind & Fire were so far ahead of their time. This group are so faithful to the original but also have every base covered. Outstanding.
And it sounds virtually exactly like the EWF version
This is as close as it's ever possible to sound like EWF. What I love about Leonid & Friends is that they enjoy what they do....entertain us with memories that evoke another time and place.
My god! My Russian and Ukrainian brethren brought rebirth to the best music of my and any other lifetime! Keep doing the same thang! Oh and I had to join this channel!
🫶🫶🫶
one word, amazing.
The best I ever heard. You must do Speck of Dust by these guys.
The absolute best band out there these days 👍🏻
They are so, so good. Joyous for sure. When they play Chicago, I'm almost in tears. Their take on "Fantasy" by EWF is terrific as well.
Increibles
I'd be glad to assert 'This is every bit as hot as the original!' Thanks for doing it.