I am 71 and I understand how you feel, I saw Leonid and Friends in Atlanta three years ago, believe it or not it's even more better being there. Leonid and the band members stayed on stage and spent time interacting with the fans for around an hour after the concert. It was simply a BLAST. being a teen in the 1960's and early 1970's we had the best music, the most pretty girls and the most bad ass cars. We grew up at a time where grownups looked after us we could play in the street until dark and just have care free fun. I can't imagine that today will be this generations good ole days.Thanks for your youtube post

No doubt, the greatest cover band of all time. They are, in my own opinion, many times more refined than original bands. Just downright amazing. I can't stop listening with the amazement of their musicianship.

I can't stop crying with joy every time I listen to this band. Why are they not international superstars.

Yes, listening to them causes an emotional return to the past ❤

You said it exactly right...they make you feel like you felt when you heard that music for the first time. I'd rather hear L&F do Chicago than Chicago now because they still have the joy that comes from producing - or reproducing - those memories. Chicago has been playing the same songs for 50 years. It's hard to keep that fresh. L&F breathe new life into these great old songs. They love what they're doing, their audiences LOVE them and they love the audiences. That they've gone beyond Chicago and included so many other great bands and songs and done it with the precision with which they do every song speaks to their dedication and craftsmanship. I can't think of any musical act since the 80's that has captured my attention and appreciation like they have.

Listen, people. Do not stop this video before the analysis. It is super. One of the best heart-felt I have ever heard. Thank you!!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

🫶🫶🫶

@rayanderson7074

2 ай бұрын

Brought tears to my eyes…

I’m 66 years old and I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s hard for people who didn’t live through that era of music to understand the emotions that are evoked when you hear Leonid and Friends bring these classics back to life with flawless reproduction and an added flair of their own. They show enormous respect for the original artists which is so admirable. As a longtime fan of Chicago, it’s hard to pick one favorite that Leonid has done, but I did thoroughly enjoy their rendition of “What’s This World Coming To “. I highly recommend it.

BINGO Paisan! You nailed it. They’re not only recreating with surgical precision, they’re providing a “teleport” to the past, a shock to our neurons, and a boilerplate of nostalgia. When you put those together, the eyes tend to “leak” under the intense pressure and the smile becomes so wide you can eat a banana sideways!

@dotlund1096

3 ай бұрын

That’s a very profound thought process...I agree. 👍

@GB1Productions

3 ай бұрын

@@dotlund1096 well, it is one I have developed over the six years of being a volunteer for them, taking care of their website and social media Traffic. I am first a fan, an administrator, second, and evangelical third, but primarily a little kid in a musical shop with the greatest sounds and memories I could possibly imagine all played by my friends. Tough to beat. Enjoy the music my friend. Thank you so much for the reply. LLLP LP I

@dotlund1096

3 ай бұрын

You’re very honored to be involved with these great and talented folks. 😊

I am 66 years old and when I hear these songs from the 70s it brings back so many memories. I hear certain songs and I can tell you where I was when I first heard it. Jeff don’t forget the 8 tracks😊

@michaelbradley7529

3 ай бұрын

I remember buying an 8-track player (on purpose) for my first car. 😉

I noticed that someone else has said they stumbled into this in 17. I did the very same thing about 4-30 am and I've been to see them twice one the first gig got the meet and greet experience. They are just as good from a personal side as they are players. Very cool and nice. If anyone wants to see them then Google them for a list of shows. I promise you will be glad . If you have a bucket list, do it. Love Peace and rock and roll!

I cried too brother. I think this piece of work has something the original doesn’t. This song always hit me hard, but the way they did it….wow!

Ай бұрын

I thought it was just me when listening to these song I grew up with. I get SO emotional from the nostalgia.

Watching you react is a joy. Such a music lover.

@Leftatalbuquerque

2 ай бұрын

If I may, I'd like to suggest a reaction video project for you: Donna Summer 2005 Night Of The Proms Concert. Strings and woodwinds arranged for songs that did not include them upon their release, choreography for strings and brass, and Donna at her mature peak vocal power. It's time to celebrate the Queen. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qaST1NKpZridYdI.html Or, her triumphant concert for the Nobel Ceremony in 2009. kzread.info/dash/bejne/amik0st_qJjchaw.html

Jeff you are so right. I got misty listening to this one. I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard this for the first time. Such an incredible time in my life.

They are so precise in evreything they do. I'm an old geezer, so I'm with you, Brother!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Leonid and Friends hits me in that special place where all my wonderful memories live.

Great reaction! As we get older what you said I totally agree.

My God!!! They are perfect. These songs comprise my entire life. This band is utterly amazing. I totally agree. I'm now 61 and these songs flood memories and emotions from my youth. I thought it was just me who cries at times listening to the amazing songs that gave our lives meaning. It's nice to share with people who feel the same. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

I get what you’re saying, Jeff… I’m 64 and I too remember when this was new, I loved it then, and love it even more now!❤

It's easy to run out of superlatives with Leonid and Friends. It's absolutely true that they evoke visceral feelings. There's nothing like music to do this for you. Bravo!

@rickstadel5285

3 ай бұрын

Well put . .

Something I've not heard you say in any of the Leonid videos, which I think is especially remarkable, is that English is NOT their first language and in many cases, they just can't speak it. Superb musicianship aside, the fact that they sing this stuff without an accent whatsoever, and that their voices match the original vocalists - just outstanding performances all the way around.

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

I have mentioned it before but I wouldn’t expect you to have watched every reaction I’ve done 😄

This is why this song is my favorite Chicago song of all time, because you ARE taking stock of your life, when you listen to THIS song. Many times the musicianship of Chicago overwhelms the lyrics. Not on this one. The strings rolling up and down just accentuate the feelings I get when LISTENING to these lyrics.

Still amazes me when I hear Serge doing Peter Cetera’s lead stuff! Wow!

Us old geezers Jeff are fortunate in that we get to experience this fantastic music for the first time twice. Leonid and Friends are indeed a much needed panacea for these confusing times.

@dotlund1096

3 ай бұрын

Such a great way to look at it. The music seems even better now. 😎

@kirkkimball-martinez2402

3 ай бұрын

And from Russia of all places.

@kathygoldade6959

2 ай бұрын

Personally I think they are better than the real deal.

@Hettepop

17 күн бұрын

@@kathygoldade6959you can feel the joy!

As another geezer, I'm right with you. Your comments describe exactly how I feel about these guys. I've been a fan since the first time I heard them a few years ago.

An afternoon with you and the music of my youth. Perfection, Thank You

@StrateleStudios

23 күн бұрын

😃🫶🫶🫶

I feel your joy, my friend. These guys take us back to the exact moment we experienced Chicago for the first time! I know the exact emotion you're feeling.

The fascinating part is they sound the same live, they do flawless replications of these songs that even the original artists would struggle to do

I’m 69 and this band really brings back great memories.

After getting repeated Leonid and Friend’s recommendations from the algorithm, about a year ago I finally watched and listened. This was the first song I heard, and I had a similar reaction. I was totally blown away, and have been a fan ever since.

perfection

They bring all the nostalgia on us of our good old times, I absolutely love this band, they are awesome !!!!

What you feel hearing these tunes by Leonid and Friends on recording is multiplied when you see them live. I've seen the twice and wow, what an experience. This tune in particular was amazing live. Xenia, the female vocal is a vital part of the vocal performance live as well. I appreciated what she brought to the table. Their able to do live the Cetera harmonies that Chicago itself cannot do. Chicago's my band and i've seen them dozens and dozens of times but honestly they are sounding tired. Leonid presents such a fresh energized take on their tunes.

Leonid & Friends, the Magic Band !

Cmon man. As a horn player myself and a fan of most anything Chicago, these guys continue to nail And supersede at times the original studio recording. Don’t understand my misty eyes when I see the joy in their eyes when they perform, I can only attribute it to by gone years and the music that resonates today. Miss that sound. Wow. Oh, and let’s not forget Ksenia. Eye candy for a man with a sweet tooth. Fantastic

I saw them back in 2019, and it was absolutely insane. So so great.

The bass line so clrsr and crisp just a great bass player

They are just too good !

Love your comments and I loved Chicago (CTA) the first time I heard them. Leonid and Friends are incredibly professional and do a modern take with complete dedication to respect the original. By the way I loved CTA and Chicago lI

It absolutely, with no question, doesn't get better than a cover like this. It's like watching it being played in the studio when it was recorded.

I'm a few years older than you and, as an old Chicago fan (since 1970), I too couldn't hold back tears the first time I listened to this band. I loved Chicago and their music so much (at least until 1979) that today I consider them, together with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and, of course, the Beatles, the solid pillars of 20th century rock music. It's a shame that in the 21st century we still have to wait for someone who can make us forget them. To conclude, two observations: L&F are highly trained musicians, probably with academic studies of the highest level and, as you often point out, they are in love with music and know how to convey all their beautiful sensations to the listener. Chicago's music, now heard live and performed at these levels, seems like it was written last night. This means greatness, talent, originality and art on the part of those who, by composing it over fifty years ago, still manage to be loved and moved today. Greetings from Italy.

Saw Chicago live in 1972. VERY loud in the auditorium where they were playing. Didn't matter. Walked on air leaving the show and for a couple of days after. One of the reasons I follow ace tribute bands (you've seen them: Leonid and Friends, Brit Floyd, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac and Lexington Lab Band) is that they all aspire to do better than replication of the original. They make you BELIEVE and in doing so, let you relive those "Old Days" that now are so special. Keep it up! I look forward (daily) to your posts.

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

🫶🫶🫶

Wow just Incredible 🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥

Well said! It's amazing how a cover band can bring back the memories just as if you were hearing the original song. L & F can do that.

I feel you man! Deep inside . . . Ooh it’s part of me!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

You get it John!

That was fun....watching you have the same overwhelming reaction as I hearing AND watching this. Leonid and co are all the things you said and for us all, a gift.

“the good things in life take a lot of time “….. Amen!!!

I've said it before ,they are AWESOME!

I could not agree with you more, on everything you said! When I first started watching and listening to Leonid and Friends, that’s what they started doing was Chicagos early stuff, from Chicago Transit Authoriy. And yea, I’m an old geezer too, born in 60.

Jeff, Very Well Said, from another Fossil. Thanks Jeff!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

😂🤣😂👏👏👏🫶

It's amazing how music can bring you back to a place in time that you otherwise had forgotten about. I didn't buy a lot of albums when I was young (short on money), but I could afford the occasional single on 45, and that was my music collection until cassette tapes came out.

Jeff, this is my favorite video of yours, and my favorite of L&F. Yes, mind blowing and emotional. Makes me feel ALIVE.

Jeff, you're absolutely right concerning the things that make this group resonate so much with those of us who were there when the original music was released - replication, fidelity, enthusiasm. It really does jack up the emotions, maybe even logarithmically. As far as this song goes, I'm always left wanting to hear more of Sergey Kashirin at the end of the song.

I see exactly what you mean about the feelings about the music you were listening to when you were young, how they are coming up when you are older.

Just got my smile for today

That was deeply satisfying. The vocal just HAD to be done by Ukraine's Serge T (with his own KZread channel now), with Sergey K (who has sadly left them) on lead guitar! Thanks to Ksenia for adding the faultless backing vocals and the glamor element! Thank you so much Jeff for reviewing my current favorite LIVE band which takes me back to the 70's, a fabulous era for music! Thanks for sharing! So true, the key thing is how the music makes us feel inside!!! Nothing wrong with emotional, Leonid's numbers make me inexplicably break out in tears of happiness! I hear you Jeff totally!!! Hey! Less of the old geezer please, I'm probably the same age! My fav Chicago song back then was Beginnings from my college days! Leonid do an excellent cover of that too! I know all the words, LOL!

@StrateleStudios

2 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend!

I'm telling you Jeff, if you get the chance, you need to go see these guys live in concert. They start an American tour in a couple of weeks, I'm seeing them for the second time in Florida on April 22nd (I saw them last year) and I can hardly wait. They put on a great show and still maintain the sound of Chicago; Earth, Wind and Fire; Ides of March; Blood, Sweat and Tears and a few others. No one recreates the horn bands especially like Leonid and Friends. And yes I'm an old geezer as well, I'm 70 years old and Leonid and Friends; Foxes and Fossils; and Lexington Lab Band brings back the memories like it was yesterday. Thanks for the reaction, Jeff.

@user-vg9pu5zo6q

3 ай бұрын

Never miss an opportunity to see L&F. They are like family... I'm looking forward to the 10th L&F concert. One of the best venues I've seen them at is the Dayton Masonic Center theater in Dayton, Ohio.

I don't know much about music aside from what I hear, but one reason I love Leonid and Friends is the way they cover these songs word for word, note for note. I played many of them when I worked on the air in commercial radio back in the 1970s and 1980's. Their covers really take me back to being in the Control Room, headphones on, doing segways from song to song with walk-ups to the next song, running a tight board, working the phones and putting callers on the air. Man, those were the days, and that was music!

I love this group and all of their covers over these past few years but IMHO this one is the most accurate to the original of them all. If I wasn't watching the video and just listening, I might not even realize that it wasn't Chicago playing. Also love your reactions to these videos. I feel exactly the same emotions when I hear these songs from my teens. I can remember exactly when and where I heard my first Chicago song. This music truely teleports me back to a happier time. I am so grateful and blessed to have lived through this era. Keep up the great work Jeff.

HS class of '81 here. What am absolute treat it was to grow up in the 70s and 80s musically speaking. The songs from that era created the tapestry our lives were woven in. They meant so much to us in so many ways and every one of them became attached to an event or memory that became frozen in time The songs we listened to and played will forever be associated with those specific times in our lives. Each made the other important because the songs meant something. Babbling but you get it. Imagine being 17 and a keyboard player in '81. I could sit down at a piano anywhere on campus at lunch time, kick the door open and start playing anything by Journey or Styx or... anyone on the radio at the time, and, within seconds I'd be swarmed by girls. It didn't hurt that I could sing too. Ahhh, memories! 😎😫 When I hear a song from that era used in a commercial or movie today, it just solidifies my belief in how important that music was and is. It evokes feelings and the lyrics articulates deeper meaning than their definitions. 99% of the garbage played on the radio today will be forgotten next week-, I hope. Seeing a new generation performing a song that was popular before they were born and doing it with such passion and talent gets me emotional too! Great video and commentary!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Beautiful comment my friend 🫶 (Class of ‘80 here)

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

I need to do a live stream where we can all talk about the 70s & 80s! Keep an eye out for that!

I'm a 78 y/o bassist with a local S.E. FL cover band. I was fortunate enuff to see "Chicago's" original 7, and a few of their more recent iterations in concert. "Leonid & Friends" knocks me out with the precision and clarity of their renditions. I totally get your reactions to hearing this music brought back and 'freshened'. Plus, Ksenia's voice and beauty certainly adds to the performances.

I saw them last summer in Providence. Great show, and yes, "Searchin'' was in their playlist.

I couldn't agree more with your assessment of the feelings that these songs bring back to me. I'm so glad that someone else has these emotional feelings as I dip. I'm so glad that I found your beautiful channel. I will be a big supporter! Thank you

This is the absolute best performance of this track since the original Chicago VII album. And you are right about bringing back the feelings of listening to this on my turn table back in the 70’s is spot on. Chicago was everything to me in my youth. Leonid and Friends will be what takes me to the end.

I’m on my 22nd time listening to this brilliant performance. This is so so good. I have such good feelings listening to this. ❤❤❤

Another grand slam out of the Chicago ballpark

I got emotional too... I am 56 years old and lots of good memories from the past came to my mind.

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

🫶🫶🫶

ALL of these comments are spot-on. I'm 61, and for me, I spent HOURS in the 70s listening to EVERY detail in their music as I tried to perfect Danny's drum parts. I figured if I could play his stuff, I could play anything. That time spent listening in great detail makes me even more blown away by these guys. They miss NOTHING, and even occasionally add something which somehow makes the great tune even better. KEEP 'EM COMING!!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Man I wore out my Chicago IV album!

@KenGaumond

3 ай бұрын

You've got Brand New Love Affair, parts I & II coming up from Chicago VIII. This is the cover that launched this amazing Russian band... Leonid's birthday present to himself.

Hopefully one day you can react to Leonid and friends Do you are the inspiration 80s Chicago cover I love the horns in it And of course it’s an 80s power ballads

What is truly amazing about these guys is that they sound literally the same as their videos live! You have got to go an see them. I went to dozens of Chicago concerts and they NEVER sounded like the recordings! Far too much improvisation, the fidelity wasn't there, etc., etc. But L&F...wow! Exactly the same, even in lousy acoustic venues!!!

@rickstadel5285

3 ай бұрын

Dead on the money! None of the 3 Chicago concerts I attended *even came close* to measuring up to the album. I stopped going; kept on with the recordings.

Chills the whole time. I love that it brings you to tears. Same here. I thought my father was the only one besides myself that gets emotional over music perfection. It's in our genes for sure.

Jeff greetings from Yuma Arizona. You look so happy!!

As an up-and-coming session drummer in the 70s, Danny Seraphine was one of my main mentors and role models. Chicago was the epitome of production quality in my mind, along with Boston. What Leonid and his band of merry musicians warm my heart and often bring a tear to my eyes. I would never have heard this wonderful group had it not been pointed out by Danny Seraphine himself. Danny's praise led me down this garden path, and I was never disappointed.

I agree, I'm also deeply affected by hearing these songs again. I'm addicted to Leonid and Friends 🎉❤

You're not the only one who gets emotional with this stuff. I first saw and heard these guys 4-5 years ago on KZread. I choked up too when I heard this version. These people are the real deal, no matter where they come from !!! They've been to the States a few times now and to my home of Buffalo at least once. Of course I couldn't make the show. In my opinion, they're better than the real band...

I understand how you're feeling. I learned to play the drums using Chicago's music back in 70's. My band played some of Chicago's music but in those days you could do a lot justice to it like Leonid & Friends.

Good morning Jeff. Another wonderful morning..... Leonid and friends, coffee and you! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Yay!!! 😃🫶🫶🫶

Oh my Jeff, I feel the same way about L&F. They’re taking me back to my youth every time I hear them.

I couldn't agree more with what you say about emotions.

Just immaculate

I’m 65 and agree 💯 with everything you are saying.

Jeff you are as much fun watching your enjoyment as much from me listening to them, I share your same emotions because I too have does memories. One of my fondest memory was driving down lake shore drive in my dad's convertable in Chicago listening to Saturday in the park by Chicago.

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Ahhhhh great memory!

Great reaction video Jeff...as usual. You nailed it with a spot-on observation. Great music is so much more powerful in our daily lives....more than we think at the time. Brings me back to my younger days when I would play my drums along with the Chicago record in my basement and try to match it as exactly as I could. Make a mistake or miss a beat....pick up the needle and start the song over. I would do that over and over. Keep em coming!!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Yes! Those were the days…I remember learning song off vinyl. Boy what a pain that was hahaha.

@billoneil6594

3 ай бұрын

LOL. It was a pain... But it was all we knew at the time. Definitely worth it

I can relate to everything you have said. This group brings a fresh approach to every song they do. Yesterday is reborn through Leonid...

@MrJohnw2454

3 ай бұрын

My favorite Chicago song is "Hard to say I'm Sorry/ Get Away"

Amazing!!!!!!

Extremely well stated good sir... It really does take us back doesn't it...

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

My band had walked in to Columbia studios to do a session, and CTA had just finished a session in the same studio . The engineer had told us about how good this band was. He sure was right.

I loved Chicago from their CTA days. Saw them in my college gymnasium in 1970, before their popularity took off. The cover band I played in during college did many Chicago tunes. When I came across the Leonid videos a few years ago, I tripped out on the accuracy in capturing the sound and feel of the original recordings, only with 21st century recording technology. I saw L&F live their last trip through Florida and their live performance lived up to their recorded presence. These folks are the real deal!

Just when i thought that this group couldn't impress me anymore than they already have. And now this. I really can't describe what this did to me. I really cant describe it. Incredible is such an understatement. I'm blown away

I can't think of a better way to start off my day than with some Chicago from Leonid & Friends! I'm also feeling the memories of first hearing Chicago on the radio and on my record player as a teen.

Mr S, this is rhe one I have been waiting for. Love to hear you comments.

Brother, I feel you...I'm 65 and hearing these new recordings of songs that meant SO. MUCH. when I was a teenager, the love, the respect, it's sometimes just so overwhelming. Much love & respect.

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

🫶🫶🫶

I stumbled into these guys in 17 about 4 am. Everyone else was asleep. It had a profound effect on me, much like you experienced. Now I've seen them live twice and met them. They are good people too! Glad to see another man, about the same age as myself have an experience like mine. Thanks for everything.

so right on with your comments. listening to the LP's and just going nuts. Saw Chicago 8 times back in a day and now Leonid 5 times. Leonid live is unreal and the joy in their faces is infectous. Great reaction.

You hit the nail right on the head Jeff, that is the magic of this band and how they can make you feel the way you felt when you first heard this music in your youth. It's the energy and the passion that they bring to it. They literally breathe New Life in to this music like no other cover/tribute band that I've heard. When you get to know and befriend these people in person their hugs and appreciation for their fans is so evident. You have to experience them live with the meet and greet. You will not regret it!

Love this cover so much, truly amazing! Totally get your emotional response!!

I love Chicago outros so damn much, the build-ups are simply mind-blowing! I believe that part of what gets to us is the quality of the recording and the performance, hearing everything so clearly brings a freshness to songs we already know. The arrangements are stellar.

Just damn good, nothing else to say!

This band has caused me to go out and buy a trumpet. I played along with the Chicago albums so much, I wore out the Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago 2 records. I don't know if I'll be able @ 71 years of age to get my lip back but Leonid and Friends have inspired me to try. Can't wait to see them in person.

@dotlund1096

3 ай бұрын

Good for you getting back to your trumpet. Maybe I should find a piano. 😂

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

🎺👏👏👏

64 here. I was never a huge Chicago fan but these crazy Russians made me one! Back in the day, nearly every band had a horn section from Ohio Players, KC and the Sunshine Band...heck..everybody...so I never really saw them as special. But like you said, actually getting to see it played an appreciate what's going on brings it home for me!!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

Yes!!! 👏👏👏

Gonna be a great day today, new L&F reaction to start things off, thanks Jeff!!!

@StrateleStudios

3 ай бұрын

You bet! 😊🫶

Yes this band is Great and playing this is emotional , the original Chicago were great , I’m so glad Leonid and Friends have picked up the torch and continues the music !