When Leonid started this group, they were basically playing by ear, because he was having trouble acquiring written scores for these pieces. That has since changed, but it really attests to the talent of these guys and gals! They are some of the best. As a matter of fact when they played in Chicago's home town a few years ago, the original drummer from Chicago actually came up and sat in on a couple of tunes!😲🥰👍👍

Leonids selects every aspect of the performance and the musicians

One of the greatest cover bands ever! Top top shelf….

Wow, that's an awesome cover. What a sublime song. The singing, the horns, the drummer. Kudos.

Sergei was the bands original guitarist, and after a few years of playing and touring with L&F left to pursue a tv career and to spend more time with his young family.

@marytreder8095

Жыл бұрын

He was fabulous with this group, and I still miss him.

@smokeyovertheline6394

11 ай бұрын

@@marytreder8095 Yep. I consider myself fortunate to have seen the band live in DC in 2019 when Sergey was still with them. Phenomenal guitarist and vocalist.

Leonid & Friends binge fest

These guys from mother Russia are damn good!!! So tight! Their covers are on the money. And that "horn section"... They enjoy covering the band Chicago. DAMN!!!!!!!!!! So good. They have the band Chicago down pat...... You two take care...... Hope to see you all again soon!

I was in the front row a few weeks ago and got to experience them do this live in concert. This group are all amazing musicians and singers. This is the music of my youth and young adult life and Leonid and Friends do it perfectly. Thank you guys for the reaction.

@lindabergman3127

9 ай бұрын

Yep saw them 2 weeks ago Kansas City and they’re even better live😂wonderful evening 🔥🔥🔥

@generrye

9 ай бұрын

@@lindabergman3127 Saw them in Cincinnati in May. Great time. Wonderful songs from my high school years.

I believe Leonid personally knew of all the musicians and invited them to play. However, when they were looking for someone to handle the songs Peter Cetera sang lead on they ran an ad which Serge saw in Ukraine, which is how he ended up joining. As I recall he sent in an audition tape.

Bar none this the best cover band ever

Second single, Chicago Transit Authority (1969). Rereleased in 1971.

I think Leonid was a big producer in Russia. He wanted to make a Chicago record for his birthday so he transcribed everything and got people that he had worked with on projects before. The first one they did was called Brand New Love Affair.

@RobertClaeson

Жыл бұрын

I believe the idea was also to make live performances that sound like studio recordings.

As rockers they also play “Stormbringer” You’ll love it!!!!!

@Calamity_Jack

Жыл бұрын

⬆ This! Such a hard-rockin' song and so true to the original! L&F and so many great covers, just love 'em!

they are so awesome together. and the neck on that horn player just wow

This is an early Chicago song from about 1971. They sound exactly like the Band Chicago! Amazing.

@w9gb

9 ай бұрын

It is earlier than 1971. Chicago Transit Authority (1st album, which was double album), 12-string acoustic guitar on original - Terry Kath.

the horns are amazing .. good rendition of the song ..

Not sure you fully appreciate the chops o those horn players… phenomenal!

Leonid & Friends do a fantastic job on every song they cover. All group members are great musicians but the drummer is killer!

What is amazing to me is they are all Russian etc and yet they are singing in perfect english.

If Leonid & Friends is ever playing anywhere near you, GO see them live. You will not be disappointed, they are phenomenal musicians

@lindabergman3127

9 ай бұрын

Yes indeed 🎉 they’re fantastic live👏👏👏👏

He was the original lead singer and guitar player. He left the band and was replaced with Constantine on guitar and Danil as a lead singer

good for you, kids.

There are documentaries and interviews about them

Almost all of the musicians are from reputable Russian Music Schools. Some are classically trained. The history of the group can be found on KZread. It’s an incredible story.

They are from Russia. They been touring the US currently.

These guys are Ukrainian or Russian. I discovered them a few years back on you tube. They are fantastic.

@user-vb2cv4dz6r

9 ай бұрын

Only one guy was ukranian. Now one guy - Michael Funto - from Moldavia (Moldova).

A Chicago favourite and beautifully done by Leonid. Sergey was the original singer and a great guitarist, left to do his own thing. Different horn section too in this early recording. You two ruin it with your gesturing and talking over it.

@lindabergman3127

9 ай бұрын

Saw the other Serge on fb last nite doing a cover of Come sail away 😂🤣wonderful

might be better than the current chicago band sounds pretty dam close !

Yano some Brazilians copied your channel

old guy

@lindabergman3127

9 ай бұрын

But awesome 😂

Ksenia can't fool me. That's not a shaker. She lost it and is faking it with an apple.

why didnt you listen to the origional guys cause they are good but Chicago is great

@mbt1955

11 ай бұрын

Chicago is great but Leonid & Friends is equally great!!

@lindabergman3127

9 ай бұрын

I’ve Seen Chicago live And Leonid and friends and they are fabulous ❤

@cheshike

6 ай бұрын

I like to say that Leonid & Friends is what Chicago would have sounded like with modern recording technology.