The final minute of this song was unbelievable. Every instrument was identifiable if you specifically listened for it. Whoever mixes, produces or puts all those sounds together is a genius. I can't believe that after listening to maybe 15 songs at least 50 times each over a few months that I'm still blown away the same way I was the very first time I listened to Leonid & Friends. They're incredible.

@alynnglo9172

13 күн бұрын

Totally agree. I watch it over and over and still have that uplift in my Soul

No one else can do what these ultra talented musicians can. Never enjoyed covers of songs until Leonid & Friends. The fact that they can actually take a great song from the past and actually do it better than the original artists is beyond remarkable.

My favorite

Surfing around KZread about 18 months ago for Chicago , the algorithim threw up 'Beginnings' by Leonid & Friends. A real 'knock your socks off' moment! Describing them as a cover band really doesn't cut it, they're all world class musicians in their own right, absolutely on top of their game.

Sergey Kashirin is the man. This was recorded about the time they began touring. Yes. The horns are great. They copy virtually every note and nuance from the original recording, so one must credit Kath, Loughnane, and Pankow for such tasty improvisation at such a young age (early 20s).

Goosebumps for sure! I do miss Sergey

The trombone and trumpet solos were spot on. Jimmy Pankow and Lee Loughnane would be proud!

Holy Moly the trombone solo!!! An so nice that the brass section is featured!!! L&F are so endgame GOOD!!! The best thing with them that they ooze positivity, fun and joy. So much needed in these times... and thnx Jeff for sharing these gems with us!

Sergey K.'s talent is phenomenal. His vocals are so bright.

Totally nailed it. They're so tight and joyful, it almost gets emotional.

I close my eyes and I'm a teenager again hearing this for the first time!

@rickstadel5285

2 ай бұрын

Perfectly put !

Jeff… we all are feeling the magic the Leonid & Friends are bringing to music!

When you are looking for the definition of a Tribute Band, you don't have to look any farther than L&F! They are the definition!

@lionheartroar3104

2 ай бұрын

The ultimate tribute band for whomever they want to honor.

They NAILED this one- right down to the exact drum fills and the trombone and trumpet solos were not for note!! And they even did the ending that Chicago plays when they do this song in concert!

These people never cease to amaze me...

Try to put into words… amazing - incredible - wonderful - phenomenal - masterful - etc..

I'm not sure it is possible to have a favorite Chicago song but this is it for me. So many memories and one of the horn pieces that made me pick up my tenor sax which led to a lifetime of joy. Horn section killed it here. Leonid on bass...wow!!! Sergey, spot on. What a fantastic group of musicians......

The ending is epic, when the baritone sax player starts in on the bells everything explodes in intensity, great choice Jeff!

@rickderby8438

2 ай бұрын

EPIC!!!!!!!

BANG FREAKING ON!! Another masterpiece. I was right back in junior high!

Yes! I've been so waiting for your reaction to this!!!!! This was the song that led me into the L&R world! This was my parents song when I was growing up and I have loved it since I was 8 years old! I love it even more now. Seeing them do this live with the original band was an honor! Old Days should be coming up soon!

As hard as this is for our Friends to do this imagine the creative power it took Chicago to dream it up and then bring it to the levels they did when they had nothing but a wing and a prayer and their belief in the value of their creation.

What does it for me on this song is that Baritone sax hitting that low c in the second verse . It just rounds out the whole horn section into a truly full rich sound.

This was one of their earlier releases and such a treat to hear. L & F has changed some of its members, all of whom are talented in their own right, but Sergey stands out with everything: guitar solos, lead and backing vocals -- impeccable. And it is entertaining to watch you, Jeff, in the thumbnail, as you react to each song. You really appreciate their musicianship because you recognize the talent.

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend!

Thanks, Jeff! On my way to see them in Atlanta NOW! What a fabulous horn interlude! BAP

@dotlund1096

2 ай бұрын

Lucky! Have fun. I have to wait until November when they’re in NorCal.

I have watched so may of your Leonid & Friends Chicago reactions and I cry through every one of them. They are SO spot on it gives me goosebumps! Your reactions are priceless. BRAVO!

@erik1836

2 ай бұрын

Well, there is that is that! Lol So true.

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!!

Always so satisfying.

The Chicago transit authority was the second album I bought together with Abbey Road. I was fifteen. What L&F reproduced is awesome. Top cover.

Just saw them in concert earlier this week and they were simply amazing. Such a great group of people as singers and/or musicians...just great performers that make you feel glad that you were there. Oh so talented and spot on with the music while at the same time being funny, warm and inviting...almost like a member of the family. Can't wait to see them again! Good job on the reaction.

Doesn't this just remind of what a remarkable group Chicago was. SO SO SO many childhood memories.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Yes!

That was epic! Leonid & Friends are touring the US of A this very moment.

This was the first song by them that got me following them about 4 years ago and I haven't stopped listening, and I just had a chance to see them perform live last week.

@rickstadel5285

2 ай бұрын

And were you disappointed ? I sure wasn't (the one time that I saw them live) !

@mikesed860

2 ай бұрын

@@rickstadel5285 there were highlights and lowlights, they sounded awesome, off course can't compare to the studio quality, I could do with less of the saxophone players antiques, way to much of a push. And was disappointed with my man Igor's solo in the middle of the show I felt it missed the potential of a really good drum player. I think if they would make some changes to their overall presentation they would be a tremendously successful live event that no one would want to miss,but overall very happy I got to see them.

@mikesed860

Ай бұрын

@@rickstadel5285 wondering if you have heard about the 5 Indonesia kids playing jazz fusion. If you have not reacted to them I guarantee that they will blow you away.

Jeff, I love your reactions to L&F videos, especially the Chicago songs. It’s a credit to Leonid that he chose to do so many Chicago songs, as he obviously recognizes great talent, both in the songs he chooses to cover and in the musicians and singers he assembles. The brass does an exceptional job of duplicating the fantastic arrangements of Jimmy Pankow. And Igor killed it as he always does. Igor met Danny Seraphine and they have great admiration for each other. Looking forward to more of these reactions with your insightful analysis.

Having been a big Chicago fan and played drums in a jazz rock band in high school in 1972, I have performed Beginnings dozens of times and listened to it hundreds more. This is perhaps better than the original and certainly better than the 8 times I heard Chicago perform it in concert. A special shoutout to Igor, who covered Danny Seraphine’s complex and challenging drum part with ease.

It's so emotional listening to this!! This was the first album I ever bought! The song is such a masterpiece, and it was played so beautifully!! The trombone solo... oh my goodness!!! Everything about it just goes right into your soul!! 🎶

Maybe the best song from Chicago. Possibly the best translation of Leonid & Friends

Saw them last night for the third time. They are so good live!!

The guys that have come into the group to replace the ones who left are great. But you can see why a lot of us were so bummed when Sergey left the group. Great voice and phenomenal on guitar.

Le plus grand groupe de reprise de Chicago de la galaxie.,... Hello de Bordeaux (France) J'adore tes vidéos et tes analyses musicale...👍

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Un grand merci! 🫶

@dotlund1096

2 ай бұрын

4 years of French in high school...feel proud to understand this message! 👍

I love these guys…..Chicago my all time favorite band!!!!!!!!

Igor is a beast❤

I waited for this one. Horns, harmonies, the lead almost sounds like original No words as usual for these guys Oh, i found the words Ksneia is beautiful. Still hopeful! Lol

The pure joy on your face was absolutely fantastic!! This group is unbelievably good.

Thanks, Jeff. Man that feels good. It really takes me back in time; great memories.

I mean, this video was the one that made me follow you. I enjoy listening to all kind of music, music that might be only known by the ones who play it, and their family, but makes you happy in your heart. Greetings from BA, Arg 🇦🇷

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

This one was so great to watch!

I grew up with this music and I still find they sound better than original.

Absolutely outstanding! These guys are the real deal!!

Thanks "Bad Ass" Awesome Pick!! Love that Bad Ass 12 String!!

It's all in what Leonid has brought to the table, or in this case, the studio. He IS the magic, but part of his magic is the exceptional talent that he recruits to interpret and take it to this level of perfection. By the way, you forgot Igor, their "Generator" on this one, and even though you're a "guitar guy" I take it, you do seem to appreciate (yeah, I saw you!) his talent and perhaps understand what a truly great Drummer he is! Leonid only accepts the best!

After listening to them on KZread, I just had to check them out live. So I saw these guys at Adiamos, a small dinner club in Warren Mich. couple yrs ago. They were great and the happy energy they put out. Would love to see them perform again.😊

Thank you, Chicago, and Earth Wind and Fire for instilling such a love of music (and awesome horn sections) in me at an early age.

I cannot wait to see these guys in October- Meet and Greet! Leonid and I actually have a lot in common, I'm going to thoroughly enjoy talking to him! We're both multi-instrumentalists/bassists, we've both played many of the same venues in SoCal (Coach House, Belly Up Tavern, a few more), and we've both played with Tris Imboden (Chicago's drummer) on drums. I do miss Sergey Kashirin being in this band, but Konstantin is finally settling into his groove. I know that Leonid's choices for personnel are solid, the band keeps getting even better (how THAT is possible, I don't know!)...and in Russia, they set the atomic clocks to Igor's drumming- he never misses! The whole band is incredible, one of my all-time favorites!

God what a great baritone voice he has! He captured Roberts essence on this one. The phrasing is immaculate!

Easily one of my favorite L&F tribute performances!!! So tight, on point and beautifully executed, simply amazing!!!

How can you not love these guys? I saw them live in Cincy last weekend and Beginnings live was just as good as this was. Such a fun band to watch, too. You want to shake Leonid's hand? They're currently touring the east coast, and the fall tour was just announced, and they'll be all over the Midwest in September and October. Go watch them!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Ya they are coming my way, I’ll be there

Lets make this easy Jeff, I've liked every L&F video, and I don't think they will ever put out a bad one. So here it is for all their future videos; Another great one! Keep them coming!!!

The Russian way to throw in some solid horns is USE SIX HORNS ..... of course CHICAGO used just three ( Trombone, Trumpet & Sax / other) .... the craftsmanship of all in instrument or vocal is joyful and precise - a wonderful thing to hear. GBjj

Jeff, as much as I love this cover, I LOVE your reactions and analysis. I learned of you from your reactions to the Foxes and Fossils. Back to the cover, WOW. I love early CHICAGO. And man, these guys KILLED IT. Maybe how F&F covers CSN, this group covers CHICAGO. Well, I'm going to find out. Thanks for this reaction. Love you man!!!!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Rick, brother, you just made my day, thank you! 😃🫶🫶🫶

@rickderby8438

2 ай бұрын

@@StrateleStudios Jeff, it's your positive approach to life. I walk with you.

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

@@rickderby8438 so glad you get it, too! 🫶

its like a freight train leaving the yard and coming up to speed. perfect road trip music. so nice to hear and see the extra horns, too. ☮❤🙏

Jeff, you need to hear them do the other Robert Lamm hits, Saturday in the park and Does anybody really know what time it is. You won't be disappointed!

Awesome performance, took me back to my first time listening to Chicago Transit Authority Album, wonderful band thanks for sharing.

I listened to Chicago when these hits were coming out, we hear this music and never understand the complexity of the arrangements. Absolutely amazing! I blame the Am radios we had in the 70's.

Their drummer is named Igor because he is a Monster!! Ksenia does a wonderful job by just being in the video. Love L&F!!!

@erik1836

2 ай бұрын

But, alas, Kensia is so hard on the eyes! Lol "Hard" to look at her and not feeling like falling in love.

I am in awe of how good this is. So true to the original. The singing, the horns, the drums - sublime.

Leonid is all over the place with his bass notes ... Chicago (CTA ?) was really great in actually using the bass for more than simply filling the chords

Beyond professional .

now it's time for Saturday in the park

that is the first song that brought me to Leonid and Friends

@dotlund1096

2 ай бұрын

Me too! To say how many times I’ve watched this would be embarrassing! Thank the heavens for Leonid & Friends....they helped get me thru covid times! 🥰

@christianmaheu9565

2 ай бұрын

@@dotlund1096 Chicago had many, many great songs, but this one is my favorite. I watched it a few times (a lot) too.

Jeff I can’t decide who I like looking at more, you or Ksenia. Oh wait !! It’s Ksenia. 😊 Thanks for another great video !!

That's Alexandr Michurin on trombone. He's fabulous but I don't think he's with the group anymore. Same goes for Sergey Kashirin, the amazing lead singer. Several great musicians here are sadly no longer with the group (including the wonderful Serge Tiagniryadno from Ukraine.) Maybe someday they'll return?

As I've said before, there's this band from Illinois that does a pretty good cover of these songs. . .

Perfect 10

Time to buy your tickets, Jeff! They will be at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Saturday, November 16th.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

I’m all set to see them in Oxnard. Through my dear friend Ray he scored me two VIP tix!

Trombone and Trumpet pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!

Really enjoy Serge playing the 12 string, he is so at ease on vocals.

That Japanese 12 string is amazing!!!!!!! This definitely recorded BEFORE Feb 2022, seeing Serge T in the same studio as the rest of them! My FAV number from the CTA Black Album, woohoo! (Aside from "Does anyone really know what the time it is")

The method in which Alexandr Michurin on that trombone mastered James Pankow's style and that absolutely epic sound of Andrey Zyl on trumpet! Everything was absolutely perfect!

Hi Jeff. Love Chicago and this song.

So good! I heard Chicago's music through the 70's and 80's. I liked their music back then, but since hearing Leonid and friends perform it over the last few years, I have started to really enjoy it. I believe they do a better job than Chicago did.

While I had seen a few other of L&F on YT, it was this song that really made me into a fan of theirs. I've now seen them 3 or 4 times in concert, and I am always happiest when they play Beginnings.

what I think is noteworthy is us boomers have known and loved this tune for decades while to (most of) the L&F crew it is brand new. Since it appeals to our ears as well as our hearts we appreciate it more than they ever will

Chicago would and should be proud. L&F is the best cover/tribute band. I've seen them perform twice and hope to see them again this coming fall.

I’m not aware of a drummer who is more rhythmically accurate, and more musically artistic than Igor.

One of the very first I heard. Fell in love immediately. Been the biggest fan since then. So bad ass!!! Thanks Jeff and bad ass. :))

Just incredible 👍🏻

Ksenia always kills me with the apple. I just have to laugh.

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Hahahahahaha she’s making apple sauce!

I am curious, from what pool of artists does Leonid find these musicians whom I consider 'the best of the best'!?

@karensaldanha4760

2 ай бұрын

Especially considering that the members are from Russia and former Soviet block countries that weren't exactly supportive of western influences. If Russia ever dug into Chicago's catalog that L&Fs recorded like "What's This World Coming To," I think they might have a problem with the content. So, I believe they are not only supremely talented but are brave.

@jimbizness3864

2 ай бұрын

Original band was mostly Moscow studio musicians that Leonid had worked with over the years. He called them in to do a couple of the first recordings as a retirement gift to himself and before long, a link was posted on the Chicago website. Here we are several years later.

I'm surprised you don't talk more about Sergey on the electric guitar throughout all the videos he plays on (sadly, he had left the band 😢). I could watch him play all day.

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

I have, you probable missed some videos 😊

Truly splendid!! Wow!!

The saddest part about Leonid's tribute to Chicago is that Walt Parazaider probably isn't able to appreciate it because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's nearly ten years ago.

That was freaking amazing! 🥰🥰🥰🩷🩷🩷

Sergey’s 12-string opening bars matches Terry Kath’s best playing of this song from CTA (Chicago I) double album.

Insane!!

I'm enjoying your reactions to one of the best cover bands ever, Leonid & Friends! (I'd love to see your reactions to Martin Schnella & Melanie Mau covers of Kansas' Pinnacle, Miracles out of Nowhere, and Point of Know Return; Idea of North's cover of Billy Joel's Lullabye, Goodnight my Angel; and Saje featuring Jacob Collier, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.)

From Chicago first record when they called themselves Chicago Transit Athority, the best Chicago record IMO

If L&F recorded this first we’d be saying Chicago is a good cover band. That’s how good L&F is.

They have a ton of central U.S. tour dates this year and ending in CA Oxnard 11/15/24 and Beverly Hills 11/16/24.

Miss Sergey and his guitar genius and his voice wasn’t bad either❤️❤️❤️

Listening to Leonid & Friends is like listening to the Original LP.

Old news. Leonid & Friends have been around for a long time and they ROCK! This is a great rendition - go check out 25 or 4 to 4!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Hahaha, what does “Old News” mean? 😄

It makes you wonder if Chicago actually recorded it together in the studio this way or if they recorded the parts separately.