Was never a big fan of much of the Carpenters music, but I always loved this song (even Sonic Youths weird cover). But I will always give Richard props for being a great keyboardist and music arranger.
Wow, that is awesome. When I first heard this cover, I wondered how Richard would react to it. It's good to hear that he welcomed Ksenia into his home. She did an amazing job, and it was a great tribute to Karen.
Leonid and friends are not only master class musicians, they bring a sense of joy to their performances that is infectious. You can’t watch/listen and not feel happy!
First time I heard this song, about two weeks ago, i thought they had dubbed Karen Carpenter's voice over the music. Had to listen to it again and watch the video to realize it is Ksenia's own voice. Karen's voice sounds very slightly deeper, but Ksenia does an incredible cover here.
I'm a musician of over 50 years and I've been watching Leonid's videos since he started posting them. While all the musicians in his core group, AND the ones he brings in for specific songs, are all really excellent, watch a dozen or so videos and pay close attention to Igor, the drummer. Even when you can't see him, listen for him, because he is one of THE best drummers I've ever heard! His skillset is virtually unlimited. It seems that there's nothing he can't do, and do it fantastically. He is the real deal! Really, they all are, but he's way above the bar. Check out their take on "One Fine Morning!" Wow!
@@swiftmatic Yes, but he's more than that. His attention to detail is incredible as well. I think he one "those" who has tremendous innate ability that seems to easily go above the bar with practice. Most musicians have met people like this. I've stood ten feet from Ginger Baker during a rehearsal in 1969, stood backstage watching Keith Moon at a Who concert in 1970 and watched Mick Fleetwood from the first row at a concert in 1979, and my opinion of Igor is that he is a BEAST!
You are absolutely correct. Igor is one of the most talented and skilled drummers I have EVER heard! He is the quintessential backbone of a group of extremely talented musicians. I wish more drummers would understand the “More is not necessarily better” concept. I’ve been listening to Leonid and friends for almost 2 years now and my first reaction to experiencing their artistry was very much like yours! I always look forward to their you tube posts and can’t wait to see them in concert.
@@ronnedmunds7935 If you have not watched their cover of "One Fine Morning", paying very close attention to Igor, you really should. Even if you have seen it, you should watch it again because I guarantee you that you missed something. I've probably watched it a dozen or more times and I always find some little Igor gem that I missed before. There is SO much going on in that song, that it's easy to take the drums for granted, but it is a tour de force performance from a master.
@@theflash1425 Thanks. I have listened L&Fs cover of One Fine Morning many times and you are right; Igor REALLY shines here. So many superlatives come to my mind when I think about how to describe Igor’s playing. I believe the definition of the musical term “In the Pocket” should have links to several of Igor’s performances. Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich, Ed Shaughnessy, Neal Pert and Louie Bellson would most likely all have described Igor’s talent as God Give and God Blessed.
That bass player is Leonid himself. Richard Carpenter loved this rendition so much, he invited Ksenia over to his house where he got to meet his family. She posted tons of photos on Facebook.
This tribute band certainly warrants a deeper dive. They started with music of Chicago, later expanded to Earth, wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, and then some, each tribute incredibly close to the original.
Arguably, better than the originals. I have been a huge Chicago fan since I was a pre-teen (late ‘60s). I’ve been blessed to see Leonid and friends twice now. Their superb musicianship never ceases to astound me.
She does well on her breath control, but the timing of each breath is slightly early, especially during the verses. Kesnia seems to use the top of each breath instead of Karen's middle exhalation & then her bottom breath. Karen took small breaths perhaps because she was also playing the drums. I poured over The Carpenter's Greatest Hits album for years & learned each song with the audible breaths in those songs. That study, along with learning to breathe for staged plays & public speaking to sustain notes on short breaths leads me to this HO. It is Leo-nid on the bass, BTW. Leo (as in the astrological sign) nid rhymes with lid. I don't believe they use Leah (as in Laia/Leaha Luke's sister). I adore L& F and have been following them for years. Thank you for reacting to them!
this one brought tears to my eyes. Closing my eyes, and listening to this I could see Karen Carpenter singing this. That's what this band does, they bring back the beauty of the bands they honor. Just beautiful!
I know that Karen Carpenter did this, but the first time I heard this song was on the Joe Cocker collaboration,"Mad Dogs and Englishmen" on which Rita Coolidge, the Delta Lady sang the hell out of it. A great album is my aged recollection of it.... Leonid and Friends is obviously more than a Chicago tribute band, they are a tribute to the era band.
This is the best cover of a Carpenter song that I have ever heard in years. Leonid and Friends are setting a very high standard for very accurate covers of songs. Ksenia just nails the vocals. Karen Carpenter has a very unique voice and you cannot fudge. This is just wonderfully done. This tribute band takes covers to a very high standard and their ability to perform...Tower of Power, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, etc. with such accuracy to the original recordings is top notch. This group of performers is as good as it gets and lets not ignore the sound engineers that make the vocal and musical talent magic work so faithfully to the original recordings and then some.
Their Earth, Wind and Fire covers are extraordinary! They sound better than currently Chicago sounds. Ksenia is incredibly gorgeous who is a fantastic singer, too.
I've seen people rejoice over a reaction video. But nothing like this man melting over a video that he considered perfect and amazing tribute of karen and the carpenters !
The “Superstar” cover by Leonor and Friends was amazing. I’ve enjoyed many of their videos. Another that I would suggest you see and feature is their version of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Fantasy”. That video is spot on as well. I just now found your channel, so I will be viewing many of your other videos.
Listening to this brings tears to my eyes. Carpenters are my all-time favorite group and for Leonid & Friends to cover them (with this exceptional performance) is truly an honor. Thank you for reacting to this.
This band, Leonid & Friends is probably the greatest cover band on the planet. Every song, by every artist is dead on. Have been following them from the first songs they did.
The thing about Leonid and Friends is that they are not a "cover band." They are not *copying* music which was recorded in the "before times." They are a group of amazingly talented musicians who are *performing* music which has previously been *performed* by other amazingly talented musicians. Thanks.
I just love watching Jeff's reaction to L&F's music, and apparently discovering for the very first time what thousands of fans across the USA have been drooling over for so very long. As someone has already pointed out, Richard Carpenter is apparently well aware of Ksenia's vocal masterpiece and, in fact, hosted her at his home while the band was on their latest California trip. I can't think that there has ever been a better cover band in the history of music on this entire planet! Everything they touch turns to gold!
Their cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Fantasy”. Wow. Incredible. On point with everything, even Phillip Baileys vocals. Very much worth your time to see.
Hi there. You know, lm also so familiar with it and woowww it seems like they were possessed by the carpenters. That must be the explanation why it sounds so much alike. This band plays the cover of Hard to say lm sorry by Chicago. You'll be greatly surprised. Blessings from Mexico City
16 yr radio veteran here.. I played this in its radio heydey....i totally agree with you Jeff on everything you said! I had tears in my eyes listening to the vocals...tagged it spot on....wow! Thank you for this!! Made my day!
Ksenia is my celebrity crush 😍 Fluent in a bunch of different languages, amazing voice, and gorgeous. They are known for their Chicago covers, but my favorite song of theirs is their cover of My Old School by Steely Dan. But everything they do is great, not a bad song in the bunch! I enjoyed your reaction!
I found this group by accident a couple of years ago. Leonid is a genius. His story is amazing. The music they started with, Chicago, (my favorite band of all time) is master class. 7:16 Living in Russia, they had no access to any sheet music. Leonid transcribed the music for every instrument and vocal. With maybe 1 or 2 exceptions his singers and band members knew absolutely no English. He not only coached them on how to sing the songs but also made sure they understood exactly the meaning of the words they were singing. Ksenia Buzina his main female singer is fluent in 8 languages which had to be a huge help. When she sang Karen Carpenter I was amazed and can't wait for more.
Been in love with this amazing group since I very fortunately stumbled on them a very long minute ago. First song, Call On Me! Literally teared up. Been hooked since a minute in
Saw them in concert in the Austin area this fall. Excellent. BTW, Hal Blaine and Joe Osborn from the Wrecking Crew backed up the Carpenters along with the Ron Hicklin Singers on background vocals.
Fabulous cover of arguably the Carpenters' greatest recording. The lead singer lady perfectly nails Karen's rendition -- even down to the point her dress is the same as Karen wore when she sang Superstar at the 1972 Grammy's. But let's not forget that Karen did her classical rendition on a first-take work-lead -- with the lyrics on a napkin!
So Beautiful. There are no Words How Great of A Cover This Is Truly Masters I Love all There Work What a Band. Wow. Every Emotion Captured in My ❤️ Heart. 😮😢😊. Pete Siny.
This group’s history is fascinating. They started with Chicago covers which are incredible! I’m so excited to see them next month with a meet and greet. Several documentaries about them on UA-cam worth checking out.
As a first time viewer of your channel, I loved watching your reactions to this Carpenter’s song. I’ve been a Leonoid fan for 4 years. As a diehard old-school Chicago fan, I am totally blown away how well this Russian group, that’s right, they are from Russia, can replicate any Chicago song, especially “Beginnings” and “Make Me Smile.” You must, must, must listen to their renditions of these 2 songs. I promise to watch!
@@jamesglynn3231Don’t know if you realized you are replying to my comment instead of posting to general comments. You are “preaching to the choir” as I already follow them and enjoy most of their songs like you do. We think alike 😊
Jeff, I am happy you liked "Superstar." I met the band a little over 4 years ago. I rapidly advanced from fan to friend to family. Not sure I deserve all the privileges that they give me. I go out on tour with them when I can. You can't find a nicer group of people anywhere. The talent this group has on stage all at once is incredible, yet they are all very humble. You won't find any divas here. I describe Ksenia Buzina as a multifaceted diamond. Besides her undeniable beauty, she is extremely talented. As someone noted earlier, Ksenia can speak and sing in multiple languages. She also has a degree in International Finance and is a piano virtuoso. I have been telling her that she is a "superstar" for quite some time now. I am glad she and the rest of the band are getting some of the recognition that they well deserve. Leonid (pronounced lay-o-nid) is the mastermind of this group. The band does not have prearranged charts to play from. Leonid painstakingly listens to the original studio recordings and writes out the parts (by ear) note for note for all the instruments! He is an absolute genius with absolute pitch. That is why the songs sound perfect like the original. They are as good live as they are in the studio. You must see them in concert. Their chemistry on stage and the interaction back and forth with the crowd is amazing. Valentin Zubakov posted a music video of "Superstar" with Leonid & Friends in one channel and The Carpenters in the other. You will be astounded how close those versions sound.
I discovered them 6 years ago and because I’m in Canada I’ve only been able to see them twice but I will claim them as family any day! Ksenia knows how much I love her! Oleg does to!
A great comment, I wish I could give you 10 "thumbs up". Thank you for your personal insight to this fantastic group. I have been a fan for some time and am very pleased to hear these positive comments about them. I love them all but isn't the oboe player in this song just incredible? And I never thought I would ever make a comment about an oboe!
I met them last month when they came here to Pittsburgh I’m addicted to this band! Truthfully I was never a huge Chicago fan until I came across this band by accident. Now I love Chicago music and the Earth wind and fire songs in just about every single thing they do. I met Jesenia in the band backstage. I told her she is the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my entire 58 years of living. I told her how beautiful her voice was And then I found out that Karen Carpenter‘s brother has met her a bunch of times. They already have 2025 scheduled to come back around again and hopefully I can see them more than one stop in the Pittsburgh area. A lot of people in this band speak better English than most high school kids that are graduating nowadays which is kind of sad…. The one main guy Sergeii that played guitar in a lot of their videos isn’t in the band anymore and I did not realize that. Kseniya told me that he left the band to raise a family. But when I saw him play guitar in the 25 or 6 to 4 video he had a police line guitar strap. I like how they try to emulate Americans and playing American music. I thought it was so cool seeing them wearing T-shirts with English slogans and guitar straps with the same. I worked at a state prison here in Pennsylvania for 17 years. I found a department of corrections orange guitar strap and I signed it and put western penitentiary on there and brought it to give to him but Ksenia told me he wasn’t in the band anymore but she knows him and will give it to him and I thought that was so nice of her to take that on tour with her to give to him when she goes back to her homeland. They are just amazing talented people and so very nice to meet and speak to. I can go on and on about this band…
I've just watched this twice and am stunned. This is the best song that Karen Carpenter ever did, even though I love many of them. She just came back to life for me. I'll be following this group!
I especially like the oboe, brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard this recording. And, oh yeah, the French horns…lovely! The Classical Guitar was an unexpected delight. I can identify with the trombone player, he definitely did his job. Trumpets “sang”their part. Sax and piano were not a highlight written part on this song, but definitely adding support. Not really an electric guitar highlight song either, but so well played. Drums, so tight, didn’t step on anyone. Electric bass..felt as well as heard. Harp, delightful! Violins, violas, and cello, oh yeah!
The video editing studio in Los Angeles that clipped, merged and boxed the closeups of the different instruments and coordinated them to the music is absolutely brilliant. Of course Ksenia is perfect in every way with beauty brains and talent. Leonid is spot on with bass and string section and brass are always great. I have to give Leonid credit in his selection of the very best studio musicians ever gathered in the same place. I particularly enjoyed the closeup focus on the strings, the harp and the acoustic guitar.
Dude, I saw it in your eyes... You fell in love--just like we all have. They hit everything--and I mean everything--out of the park. You'll enjoy it all man.
Just brings me back to growing up in the 70's when life was easy and all love and music. Kids today have no idea what they missed. Ksenia is amazing and the entire band is truly amazing musicians. Ive been following them since the first video aired as a guft to Leonid for a birthday gift. Ive also had the pleasure of seeing them in concert 4 times now, meeting afterwards and staying in contact with social media. They are all truly special ❤
The production is fabulous, clean, well defined, understated, just right. And I can't fault the vocalist, since I don't think anyone could quite match Karen Carpenter's voice, breath control, and perfect phrasing, but nevertheless she did an outstanding job. I got chills from this, it was so good, and I even got choked up a bit.
Great cover! Amazing! I wonder if you ever checked a Filipino band made up of brothers known as the Reo Brothers- they do a great job covering Sultans of Swing and Alan Parsons Project.
This track is absolutely stunning as it evokes memories of KC, but in the same breath, brings us a modern update on what is a classic song. Leonid & friends, sprinkled with the angelic voice of Ksenia Buzina have absolutely nailed it!
Yes, you are in for a treat because everything I have seen by them and I've watched numerous pieces, is just as beautifully performed and orchestrated as was this. It almost gives one a headache - not to mention boggles the mind - the amount of talent and brain brain power; musical and vocal abilities their productions evidence and contain. We humans are indeed a marvelous species - when we devote ourselves to pursuing good rather than evil; help inspire rather hinder wonder and joy.
I got hooked on L&F during the C19 stay-at-home era. I recently saw them live in Texas, and I have to say it was phenomenal. I could close my eyes and be transported back to a 1970's Chicago concert I never got to experience, though they were my #1 band back then. There is sooo much talent & humility in L&F.
Leonid & Friends began as what was only meant to be a one off project, a present from producer Leonid Vorobyev to himself for his 60th birthday. That initial video became popular enough on UA-cam that he decided to follow it up with another, and so on. The line up has changed a bit over the years, but their accuracy in replicating the music of Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, and any other group they set their sights on is phenomenal. Ksenia, the vocalist in this video, has performed in seven or eight languages and also has a degree in global economics. Her role in the group has grown over the past couple of years from solely a backup singer to lead vocalist on several numbers. This is a rabbit hole you're truly going to enjoy going down. By the way, Leonid had no access to sheet music for the initial songs they recorded and personally transposed every part by ear.
You know something is good when a Professional with thousand years of experience just got amazed. Your reaction to them was priceless and really made me happy.
In all actuality, the Carpenters version of this song is a cover.... the first one to record this Leon Russell tune was Delaney & Bonnie. Leon wrote this for Bonnie Bramlett to sing. .
True, the Carpenters' version was a cover of D&B's, but unquestionably the definitive version, and a global hit of the first order. Many C's fans regard Superstar as their greatest single musically, although Yesterday Once More sold the most globally by far.
Ksenia... My love. Ha ha! She nailed this!
This group is on top of the list, the sound n vocal, strings, are fantastic. It wake me up. My first time listening to this group -fabulous!
This cover was so well received by Richard Carpenter that he invited Ksenia to his home to have dinner with him and his wife.
Now that's appreciation!
Wow! That's big respect.
Was never a big fan of much of the Carpenters music, but I always loved this song (even Sonic Youths weird cover). But I will always give Richard props for being a great keyboardist and music arranger.
Wow, that is awesome. When I first heard this cover, I wondered how Richard would react to it. It's good to hear that he welcomed Ksenia into his home. She did an amazing job, and it was a great tribute to Karen.
Leonid is the Bass player.
This is THE GREATEST BAND ON THE PLANET RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agreed100 ❤
They are truly gifted musicians, and singers. NO DOUBT!!
I've seen them five times so far, and already have tickets for show #6.
Oh, I agree 100%. They are INCREDIBLE!! ♥
Yes
Leonid and friends are not only master class musicians, they bring a sense of joy to their performances that is infectious. You can’t watch/listen and not feel happy!
First time I heard this song, about two weeks ago, i thought they had dubbed Karen Carpenter's voice over the music. Had to listen to it again and watch the video to realize it is Ksenia's own voice. Karen's voice sounds very slightly deeper, but Ksenia does an incredible cover here.
I'm a musician of over 50 years and I've been watching Leonid's videos since he started posting them. While all the musicians in his core group, AND the ones he brings in for specific songs, are all really excellent, watch a dozen or so videos and pay close attention to Igor, the drummer. Even when you can't see him, listen for him, because he is one of THE best drummers I've ever heard! His skillset is virtually unlimited. It seems that there's nothing he can't do, and do it fantastically. He is the real deal! Really, they all are, but he's way above the bar. Check out their take on "One Fine Morning!" Wow!
Igor is a MACHINE. PERFECT timing, EVERY time.
@@swiftmatic Yes, but he's more than that. His attention to detail is incredible as well. I think he one "those" who has tremendous innate ability that seems to easily go above the bar with practice. Most musicians have met people like this. I've stood ten feet from Ginger Baker during a rehearsal in 1969, stood backstage watching Keith Moon at a Who concert in 1970 and watched Mick Fleetwood from the first row at a concert in 1979, and my opinion of Igor is that he is a BEAST!
You are absolutely correct. Igor is one of the most talented and skilled drummers I have EVER heard! He is the quintessential backbone of a group of extremely talented musicians. I wish more drummers would understand the “More is not necessarily better” concept. I’ve been listening to Leonid and friends for almost 2 years now and my first reaction to experiencing their artistry was very much like yours! I always look forward to their you tube posts and can’t wait to see them in concert.
@@ronnedmunds7935 If you have not watched their cover of "One Fine Morning", paying very close attention to Igor, you really should. Even if you have seen it, you should watch it again because I guarantee you that you missed something. I've probably watched it a dozen or more times and I always find some little Igor gem that I missed before. There is SO much going on in that song, that it's easy to take the drums for granted, but it is a tour de force performance from a master.
@@theflash1425 Thanks. I have listened L&Fs cover of One Fine Morning many times and you are right; Igor REALLY shines here. So many superlatives come to my mind when I think about how to describe Igor’s playing. I believe the definition of the musical term “In the Pocket” should have links to several of Igor’s performances. Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich, Ed Shaughnessy, Neal Pert and Louie Bellson would most likely all have described Igor’s talent as God Give and God Blessed.
Leonid and Friends has redefined music.
That bass player is Leonid himself.
Richard Carpenter loved this rendition so much, he invited Ksenia over to his house where he got to meet his family. She posted tons of photos on Facebook.
This group is the top of the top with everything they do! Phenomenal!
They continually amaze me with their beautiful mesmerizing talents🌹🌹🌹🌹
Brought tears to my eyes..the music and that voice... Karen Carpenter is the Queen...and what an incarnation ❤
Wow Im in tears she nailed it Yes Yes Yes
This tribute band certainly warrants a deeper dive. They started with music of Chicago, later expanded to Earth, wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, and then some, each tribute incredibly close to the original.
They also covered My Old School by Steely Dan. They are great. I saw them twice!
Arguably, better than the originals. I have been a huge Chicago fan since I was a pre-teen (late ‘60s). I’ve been blessed to see Leonid and friends twice now. Their superb musicianship never ceases to astound me.
Better than!
I actually prefer Leonid & Friends perform classic Chicago over the current lineup of Chicago.
They are so amazing live!@@Allright21
Bass player is the boss Leonid
And an absolute musical genius !
The man behind all of this, the man looking around...is Leonid, the bass player!
The entire group are flawless but that Ksenia is kind of incredible.
Wow, this whole band totally nailed it. Their instrumentation was fantastic. The vocalist was pitch perfect with incredible breath control. 👏 👏 👏
She does well on her breath control, but the timing of each breath is slightly early, especially during the verses. Kesnia seems to use the top of each breath instead of Karen's middle exhalation & then her bottom breath. Karen took small breaths perhaps because she was also playing the drums. I poured over The Carpenter's Greatest Hits album for years & learned each song with the audible breaths in those songs. That study, along with learning to breathe for staged plays & public speaking to sustain notes on short breaths leads me to this HO. It is Leo-nid on the bass, BTW. Leo (as in the astrological sign) nid rhymes with lid. I don't believe they use Leah (as in Laia/Leaha Luke's sister). I adore L& F and have been following them for years. Thank you for reacting to them!
Thank you for your perspective. 👍
scary good! thank you.
this one brought tears to my eyes. Closing my eyes, and listening to this I could see Karen Carpenter singing this. That's what this band does, they bring back the beauty of the bands they honor. Just beautiful!
Le o NID is GREAT !!!!!!
I know that Karen Carpenter did this, but the first time I heard this song was on the Joe Cocker collaboration,"Mad Dogs and Englishmen" on which Rita Coolidge, the Delta Lady sang the hell out of it. A great album is my aged recollection of it.... Leonid and Friends is obviously more than a Chicago tribute band, they are a tribute to the era band.
This is the best cover of a Carpenter song that I have ever heard in years. Leonid and Friends are setting a very high standard for very accurate covers of songs. Ksenia just nails the vocals. Karen Carpenter has a very unique voice and you cannot fudge. This is just wonderfully done. This tribute band takes covers to a very high standard and their ability to perform...Tower of Power, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, etc. with such accuracy to the original recordings is top notch. This group of performers is as good as it gets and lets not ignore the sound engineers that make the vocal and musical talent magic work so faithfully to the original recordings and then some.
So Beautiful. I Love It. I’m Crying 😢. But This Is Awesomen
So Beautiful. Awesome I Love ❤️ It Pete sr Siny
Their Earth, Wind and Fire covers are extraordinary! They sound better than currently Chicago sounds. Ksenia is incredibly gorgeous who is a fantastic singer, too.
I've seen people rejoice over a reaction video. But nothing like this man melting over a video that he considered perfect and amazing tribute of karen and the carpenters !
The “Superstar” cover by Leonor and Friends was amazing. I’ve enjoyed many of their videos. Another that I would suggest you see and feature is their version of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Fantasy”. That video is spot on as well. I just now found your channel, so I will be viewing many of your other videos.
I am a huge fan of this group ever since I first started listening to them.
Listening to this brings tears to my eyes. Carpenters are my all-time favorite group and for Leonid & Friends to cover them (with this exceptional performance) is truly an honor. Thank you for reacting to this.
This band, Leonid & Friends is probably the greatest cover band on the planet. Every song, by every artist is dead on. Have been following them from the first songs they did.
I loved the smile on your face when you realized how perfect a performance you were experiencing.
The thing about Leonid and Friends is that they are not a "cover band." They are not *copying* music which was recorded in the "before times." They are a group of amazingly talented musicians who are *performing* music which has previously been *performed* by other amazingly talented musicians.
Thanks.
I just love watching Jeff's reaction to L&F's music, and apparently discovering for the very first time what thousands of fans across the USA have been drooling over for so very long. As someone has already pointed out, Richard Carpenter is apparently well aware of Ksenia's vocal masterpiece and, in fact, hosted her at his home while the band was on their latest California trip. I can't think that there has ever been a better cover band in the history of music on this entire planet! Everything they touch turns to gold!
Their cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Fantasy”. Wow. Incredible. On point with everything, even Phillip Baileys vocals. Very much worth your time to see.
Nicely done Kesnia you nailed the vocals you have an amazing and beautiful voice so reminiscent of Karen Carpenter This gave me chills
Hi there. You know, lm also so familiar with it and woowww it seems like they were possessed by the carpenters. That must be the explanation why it sounds so much alike. This band plays the cover of Hard to say lm sorry by Chicago. You'll be greatly surprised. Blessings from Mexico City
Simply awesome 👍
Isn't that just fantastic. Brings back so many memories.
16 yr radio veteran here.. I played this in its radio heydey....i totally agree with you Jeff on everything you said! I had tears in my eyes listening to the vocals...tagged it spot on....wow! Thank you for this!! Made my day!
that's Leonid!
❤👍Wow!
Leonid and Friends has set a new standard for music production
Every cover song they sing is Golden
Ksenia is my celebrity crush 😍
Fluent in a bunch of different languages, amazing voice, and gorgeous.
They are known for their Chicago covers, but my favorite song of theirs is their cover of My Old School by Steely Dan. But everything they do is great, not a bad song in the bunch!
I enjoyed your reaction!
Yes, she's very easy on the eyes and talented to boot.
I totally agree with you about their version of My Old School. 👍
Have not seen My Old School. Will have to search it. Hope there is more Steely Dan. Great catalog for L&F.
The carpenters were my favourite band many years ago. This band have nailed everything about them amazing ❤
I found this group by accident a couple of years ago. Leonid is a genius. His story is amazing. The music they started with, Chicago, (my favorite band of all time) is master class. 7:16
Living in Russia, they had no access to any sheet music. Leonid transcribed the music for every instrument and vocal. With maybe 1 or 2 exceptions his singers and band members knew absolutely no English.
He not only coached them on how to sing the songs but also made sure they understood exactly the meaning of the words they were singing.
Ksenia Buzina his main female singer is fluent in 8 languages which had to be a huge help. When she sang Karen Carpenter I was amazed and can't wait for more.
That bass player is Leonid.
He is the man pulling all of this work together. No small task.
This performance takes your breath away, excellent in so many ways!
I have seen this band twice…….one word! Amazing!
Been in love with this amazing group since I very fortunately stumbled on them a very long minute ago. First song, Call On Me! Literally teared up. Been hooked since a minute in
Love the drummer Igor, his timing is perfect ❤
I am too...amazing performance#
Saw them in concert in the Austin area this fall. Excellent.
BTW, Hal Blaine and Joe Osborn from the Wrecking Crew backed up the Carpenters along with the Ron Hicklin Singers on background vocals.
One of the best cover bands on earth. She speaks multiple languages, sings like and angel and is gorgeous
Fabulous cover of arguably the Carpenters' greatest recording. The lead singer lady perfectly nails Karen's rendition -- even down to the point her dress is the same as Karen wore when she sang Superstar at the 1972 Grammy's. But let's not forget that Karen did her classical rendition on a first-take work-lead -- with the lyrics on a napkin!
So Beautiful. There are no Words How Great of A Cover This Is Truly Masters I Love all There Work What a Band. Wow. Every Emotion Captured in My ❤️ Heart. 😮😢😊. Pete Siny.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
The bass player is Leonid the band leader and transposer of every note of every song.
Your smile as she begins singing says it all. :)
😊😊😊
This group’s history is fascinating. They started with Chicago covers which are incredible! I’m so excited to see them next month with a meet and greet. Several documentaries about them on UA-cam worth checking out.
As a first time viewer of your channel, I loved watching your reactions to this Carpenter’s song. I’ve been a Leonoid fan for 4 years. As a diehard old-school Chicago fan, I am totally blown away how well this Russian group, that’s right, they are from Russia, can replicate any Chicago song, especially “Beginnings” and “Make Me Smile.” You must, must, must listen to their renditions of these 2 songs. I promise to watch!
@@jamesglynn3231Don’t know if you realized you are replying to my comment instead of posting to general comments. You are “preaching to the choir” as I already follow them and enjoy most of their songs like you do. We think alike 😊
@@Nancyshank I hate when that happens - LOL!!!!😁
Don't forget this is played LIVE! Greatest cover band on the planet.
Jeff, I am happy you liked "Superstar." I met the band a little over 4 years ago. I rapidly advanced from fan to friend to family. Not sure I deserve all the privileges that they give me. I go out on tour with them when I can. You can't find a nicer group of people anywhere. The talent this group has on stage all at once is incredible, yet they are all very humble. You won't find any divas here. I describe Ksenia Buzina as a multifaceted diamond. Besides her undeniable beauty, she is extremely talented. As someone noted earlier, Ksenia can speak and sing in multiple languages. She also has a degree in International Finance and is a piano virtuoso. I have been telling her that she is a "superstar" for quite some time now. I am glad she and the rest of the band are getting some of the recognition that they well deserve. Leonid (pronounced lay-o-nid) is the mastermind of this group. The band does not have prearranged charts to play from. Leonid painstakingly listens to the original studio recordings and writes out the parts (by ear) note for note for all the instruments! He is an absolute genius with absolute pitch. That is why the songs sound perfect like the original. They are as good live as they are in the studio. You must see them in concert. Their chemistry on stage and the interaction back and forth with the crowd is amazing. Valentin Zubakov posted a music video of "Superstar" with Leonid & Friends in one channel and The Carpenters in the other. You will be astounded how close those versions sound.
Thank you for this wonderful comment! This really looks like a group of positive and talented musicians!
I discovered them 6 years ago and because I’m in Canada I’ve only been able to see them twice but I will claim them as family any day! Ksenia knows how much I love her! Oleg does to!
Possibly the best cover Of a song I've ever heard they nailed it in every department 😮 .
A great comment, I wish I could give you 10 "thumbs up". Thank you for your personal insight to this fantastic group. I have been a fan for some time and am very pleased to hear these positive comments about them. I love them all but isn't the oboe player in this song just incredible? And I never thought I would ever make a comment about an oboe!
Ray, I really missed seeing you out on tour! I am sure we will meet again in the spring.
Wow can you believe this voice 10/10
The bass player is looking around probably because that is Leonid the leader and producer of the band. This was amazing❗️
El es
It can't get any better than this group! No one can top them!
Thanks Richard!
I met them last month when they came here to Pittsburgh I’m addicted to this band! Truthfully I was never a huge Chicago fan until I came across this band by accident. Now I love Chicago music and the Earth wind and fire songs in just about every single thing they do. I met Jesenia in the band backstage. I told her she is the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my entire 58 years of living. I told her how beautiful her voice was And then I found out that Karen Carpenter‘s brother has met her a bunch of times. They already have 2025 scheduled to come back around again and hopefully I can see them more than one stop in the Pittsburgh area. A lot of people in this band speak better English than most high school kids that are graduating nowadays which is kind of sad…. The one main guy Sergeii that played guitar in a lot of their videos isn’t in the band anymore and I did not realize that. Kseniya told me that he left the band to raise a family. But when I saw him play guitar in the 25 or 6 to 4 video he had a police line guitar strap. I like how they try to emulate Americans and playing American music. I thought it was so cool seeing them wearing T-shirts with English slogans and guitar straps with the same. I worked at a state prison here in Pennsylvania for 17 years. I found a department of corrections orange guitar strap and I signed it and put western penitentiary on there and brought it to give to him but Ksenia told me he wasn’t in the band anymore but she knows him and will give it to him and I thought that was so nice of her to take that on tour with her to give to him when she goes back to her homeland. They are just amazing talented people and so very nice to meet and speak to. I can go on and on about this band…
Leonid is a musical genius.
More than perfect
beautiful best rendition I have heard world class musicians..great..great from Australia want more
I've just watched this twice and am stunned. This is the best song that Karen Carpenter ever did, even though I love many of them. She just came back to life for me. I'll be following this group!
I especially like the oboe, brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard this recording. And, oh yeah, the French horns…lovely! The Classical Guitar was an unexpected delight. I can identify with the trombone player, he definitely did his job. Trumpets “sang”their part. Sax and piano were not a highlight written part on this song, but definitely adding support. Not really an electric guitar highlight song either, but so well played. Drums, so tight, didn’t step on anyone. Electric bass..felt as well as heard. Harp, delightful! Violins, violas, and cello, oh yeah!
The video editing studio in Los Angeles that clipped, merged and boxed the closeups of the different instruments and coordinated them to the music is absolutely brilliant. Of course Ksenia is perfect in every way with beauty brains and talent. Leonid is spot on with bass and string section and brass are always great. I have to give Leonid credit in his selection of the very best studio musicians ever gathered in the same place. I particularly enjoyed the closeup focus on the strings, the harp and the acoustic guitar.
Leonid and friends are just awesome
Goosebumps.. those vocals… 🔥🔥🔥
Dude, I saw it in your eyes... You fell in love--just like we all have. They hit everything--and I mean everything--out of the park. You'll enjoy it all man.
I’ve got “Dialogue Part I & II” (Chicago Cover) coming soon. I could barely sit in my seat. You’re gonna get a kick out of it. Hahaha
Just brings me back to growing up in the 70's when life was easy and all love and music. Kids today have no idea what they missed. Ksenia is amazing and the entire band is truly amazing musicians. Ive been following them since the first video aired as a guft to Leonid for a birthday gift. Ive also had the pleasure of seeing them in concert 4 times now, meeting afterwards and staying in contact with social media. They are all truly special ❤
The production is fabulous, clean, well defined, understated, just right. And I can't fault the vocalist, since I don't think anyone could quite match Karen Carpenter's voice, breath control, and perfect phrasing, but nevertheless she did an outstanding job. I got chills from this, it was so good, and I even got choked up a bit.
Great cover! Amazing! I wonder if you ever checked a Filipino band made up of brothers known as the Reo Brothers- they do a great job covering Sultans of Swing and Alan Parsons Project.
Stunning, that’s all I’ve got. Just stunning…😮
Beautiful
Their cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's FANTASY is amazing! I play it over and over and over... just awesome‼️❤
One outstanding Command Performance. A great many thanks for the treat sir. Tony :))
Beautiful arrangement
This track is absolutely stunning as it evokes memories of KC, but in the same breath, brings us a modern update on what is a classic song. Leonid & friends, sprinkled with the angelic voice of Ksenia Buzina have absolutely nailed it!
Awesome!!!! She sounds just like her Great video.
Yes, you are in for a treat because everything I have seen by them and I've watched numerous pieces, is just as beautifully performed and orchestrated as was this.
It almost gives one a headache - not to mention boggles the mind - the amount of talent and brain brain power; musical and vocal abilities their productions evidence and contain.
We humans are indeed a marvelous species - when we devote ourselves to pursuing good rather than evil; help inspire rather hinder wonder and joy.
They hit it out of the park! Listened to this dozens of times already.
Watching teary-eyed. - fr. Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Seen them live four times. I love this band.
Absolutely exceptional. I would love to see this band in Australia ❤
Leonid and Friends is so much fun to watch on UA-cam. Have fun reviewing their covers of Earth Wind and Fire
I got hooked on L&F during the C19 stay-at-home era. I recently saw them live in Texas, and I have to say it was phenomenal. I could close my eyes and be transported back to a 1970's Chicago concert I never got to experience, though they were my #1 band back then.
There is sooo much talent & humility in L&F.
Leonid & Friends began as what was only meant to be a one off project, a present from producer Leonid Vorobyev to himself for his 60th birthday. That initial video became popular enough on UA-cam that he decided to follow it up with another, and so on. The line up has changed a bit over the years, but their accuracy in replicating the music of Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, and any other group they set their sights on is phenomenal. Ksenia, the vocalist in this video, has performed in seven or eight languages and also has a degree in global economics. Her role in the group has grown over the past couple of years from solely a backup singer to lead vocalist on several numbers. This is a rabbit hole you're truly going to enjoy going down. By the way, Leonid had no access to sheet music for the initial songs they recorded and personally transposed every part by ear.
You know something is good when a Professional with thousand years of experience just got amazed. Your reaction to them was priceless and really made me happy.
I agree with your 10 out of 10 review. It was flawless. Thank you for your reaction video.
Yes...leonid and friends are great!!#
Love it. Love it. This group is beyond amazing!
Love the French horns!
Adorable canto de Ksenia y extraordinarios músicos Leonid y sus amigos.
Saw this group live at the Carolina Theater in Durham last May....They are incredible!
Been watching this group for 3-4:years and they are spot on perfect musical performances. The singer is fabulous.
In all actuality, the Carpenters version of this song is a cover.... the first one to record this Leon Russell tune was Delaney & Bonnie.
Leon wrote this for Bonnie Bramlett to sing.
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True, the Carpenters' version was a cover of D&B's, but unquestionably the definitive version, and a global hit of the first order. Many C's fans regard Superstar as their greatest single musically, although Yesterday Once More sold the most globally by far.