Saw them last week at Iron City, Birmingham, Alabama. Awesome show! Didn't have the strings for this one, but still blew it out of the water!

No one nails the original recorded versions like L&F, not even the original artists. They are spectacular.

Leonid is a musical genius. ❤ he writes and transcribed everything.

Music reaches across cultures and nations. Proof that men can work together to create something beautiful.

It's so challenging to nail it with so many band members, and yet they do, every time. And always live.

How much talent does Michael Puntov have? I was blown away when I realized that this is the same gentleman that did the lead vocals in "So Very Hard to Go". Two distinctly different type songs and the same man just killed both of them. Michael Puntov is undoubtedly one of the best singers I've ever heard. I'm sneaking up on 65 yrs. old so I've heard many great singers and this man is on the Mt. Rushmore of singers for me.

I discovered this band 4 years ago. I Have had the privilege of seeing them 3 times live and have listened to no other music since. I’m not kidding! They have not only honored and brought the songs I loved back better than ever, but have caused me to fall in love with songs I never took the time to really get into back in the day. I was drawn to them first through their early Chicago music. (Beginnings, 24 or 6 to , Make me smile etc) but this song that I’m recommending ONE FINE MORNING is one I had never heard of and now I can’t stop listening to it. There are so many to recommend though! I very much appreciate your sharing your experience and insight throughout the reactions. We really were blessed with some amazing music growing up!

@lindabergman3127

6 ай бұрын

Couldn’t agree more 😂❤❤❤❤

So much talent by all of them. Never listened to a group of musicians' and singers that nail every song like Leonid &Friends.

FYI - the woman singing next to Ksenia is Irina - married to Igor the drummer! Met her last year. Very sweet woman who is a wonderful singer in her own right. BTW, I"m also someone who has spent a lot of time with Ray Lamey, who you have mentioned before. Personally been to about 40 live shows! Happy New Year!

Wow! That song was awesome! I’ve seen them twice and not only are they great musicians but they are such nice people. Love them!

I never knew this song existed until I heard L&F perform it!

Loved seeing them last month. They are fantastic. I wish there were bands that still made this type of music.

You nailed it when you mentioned the mix, Jeff. With today's recording and mixing technology (along with talented sound engineers), songs from the past with this group end up, many times, sounding better than the originals they're covering. They blow me away every time!

They are the ultimate cover band, I have been following them since the second or third video, way back when, and have been awed by the whole she-bang, Their Chicago covers are polished gems that take the originals to another technical level, all while smiling all the time, love the vibe.

L&F brings back all the memories that no others can do in the same way....orchestra is awesome..💥..as are all the other band members......Michael is king on this ...🎼‼

Unbelievable vocals on this gorgeous song✨✨✨🔥🔥🔥🔥

Just saw them live. They were outstanding! And lovely people.

@lindabergman3127

6 ай бұрын

Yes they are❤

An amazing group they are for sure. Leonid's transcriptions are spot on and thier performances are in many cases better than the original. I also love that they work from the genre that they do. The catalog available from the 70/80's in my opinion, is the the some of the best musical works in modern history. LOVE IT!

B S&T Al Kooper period. Such marvelous cover. Viva Leonid and Friends.

This is what you get when you mix world class musicians with state of the art audio recording/mixing equipment. Their unparalleled respect for the original artists they cover is felt in the final product. I'm going to add a little peer pressure to each of my comments going forward. #growthebeard 😉

Waauuwww!!!!🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💫🌟✨✨🫠🫠🥰👌🏼

They not only do covers have original music A Speck of Dust full orchestra and vocals co written by Leonid he did the whole orchestra writing composing and a unique twist that you will love

So Awesome. I Love This Band Lead Vocals Harmonys Everything Is So. Great. Pete Siny. Super Pro. Cover. 😊😮❤

I started watching Leonid & Friends a few years back and they have continuously impressed time and time again. I am thankful that L&F choose the music to play is the very same music I grew up listening in the 70's, They truly never cease to amaze. Jeff you're right when you say "They are The Gold Standard" when it comes to covers, I've seen other bands on KZread which are good but they don't have the magic or level of perfection that Leonid and Friends does which I think is the reason why their fanbase is growing as time goes on, Great reaction Jeff looking forward to the next one.

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

🫶

SPINNING WHEEL AND VEHICLE ARE AMAZING!!

I had always had CHICAGO as my all-time favorite group... UNTIL LEONID & FRIENDS. They were perfect in every note and every beat and the total sound that Chicago did on every tribute... but they still sounded better and it dawn on me after watching every video they did, that instead of single mics for lead and general for all the others, Every singer, drums, horns , backups, every percussion , every instrument that produced the sound had a microphone. The volumes were mixed appropriately but each sound was made part of the whole sound . The mixing and writing and technology and this band of Russian speaking people , puts together a total production out of every song. They reinspire the love for real music.

Kudos to all .... just great Blues tune with solid instrumental support .... lead is a great vocalist. GBjj

Simply the best🔥🔥🔥🔥

These are the best of the best!!

I’ve had the pleasure to see L&F here in CO. The show sold out in a matter of hours. Absolutely amazing performance. I would highly recommend you see them if you have the chance.

@lindabergman3127

6 ай бұрын

Yep saw them in Kansas City in Oct n they’re superb🎉🎉🎉🎉

I guess BS&T never really was a commercial band. Apart from the not very often played "Spinning Wheel" they barely get any airplay. Yet when i put on the vinyl I pinched from my parents I'm amazed of the depth and quality of their music. I'm glad L&F recognised it too.

I Have Chills Beyond Chills. True Masters. 😮. I Love ❤️ Them. Pete Siny

What do they do? They go on the road! Next year, when they're in the US, you need to see them! O, welcome to the "I Love Ksenia" Fan Club.

Ray -- killin' it buddy ! Thanks, bro !

Wonderful wonderful!

This is the one I was going to suggest,but apparently, you've reacted already. SUCH AN AMAZING COVER!!!!!

@ritchiec6317

5 ай бұрын

You're Reactions are Fantastic by the way 👏

Jeff, It's a lot of fun to experience this music with you, especially your attention to details. It's nice to hear your comments and appreciation for the timing, precision and fluidity of things. I'm glad there's a reactor out there with your expertise.

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

Waiting to see you do one of the Chicago covers since that’s how this whole thing got started. Some different faces in their older stuff but the quality was and continues to be great. I’ve got to catch these guys live at some point!

Another fine cover band l might suggest is Lexington Lab Band,especially their cover of Boston’s “ Foreplay/Longtime, exceptional keyboard performance.

So much soul

I just wanted to say that I so enjoy your channel! Your reviews are masterfully done. Your experience in the industry is evident. Thank you for what you do. Most of the others that attempt to do what you do, do it so poorly and with huge bias. I look forward to your next post!

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! You just made my day, David!

Love it when I find a great new version of a favourite song. Hadn't heard this version before (have always loved Donny Hathaway's & also Beth Hart with Joe Bonamassa). I'll listen out for them in future - thank you for your analysis & reaction.

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

there is a KZread video of #LeonidandFriends in the Webster's online dictionary next to the word ... TIGHT. 😎 ☮❤🙏

@lindabergman3127

6 ай бұрын

😂 they’re pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥 every song they cover is unbelievable ❤

The drummer is always so good just like the rest if the band.

Jeff, i'm sure you are already way ahead of me but i got tickets to see Dirty Loops for April 5th in a small venue just outside of Denver and I'm totally stoked. Do you know if they are getting ready to release any new songs or videos. The other thing i wanted to tell you was we had to shut off one of my credit cards due to some fraudulant charges. It dawned on me that it might have also had my patreon and if so, it unintentionally stoped payment. I tried to figure out if i need to resign up for your patreon but not sure what I'm doing so please let me know.

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

I’m going to see them in LA! Oh no worries man, I think you can just log into your account and set up another payment method. I’m not very familiar with it from my side.

Hey Jeff! Did you hear?! Dirty Loops is coming to the states! To LA!!! I’m going to the LA show! On April 13, 2024! So excited !!!!!

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

I’ll see you there! Got my VIP tix this morning!

@Bimbo_MN

6 ай бұрын

@@StrateleStudios i got the VIP too! They’re having a sound check and exclusive merch for vip i believe

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

@@Bimbo_MN woohooo!

@Bimbo_MN

6 ай бұрын

@@StrateleStudios it’s gonna be awesome! Hope to bump into you!

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

@@Bimbo_MN ya come up and say hi!

Dirty Loops are coming!

@StrateleStudios

6 ай бұрын

Got my tix!

Michael Puntov voice at best, as in... An L&F band guys...

Yet another amazing lead vocalist the Leonid seems to pluck out of nowhere. Not the biggest fan of this guitarist though.