This is one of my favorite EWF songs. EWF songs are not easy to re-create. Leonid & Friends killed it. I feel like I died and went to EWF heaven. These musicians bring so much skill and passion to the music. Love, love, love them.

@anyviolet

6 ай бұрын

so well said. Actually cried hearing this for the first time. In the Stone is one of their best, and their love for the material is so obvious.

Leonid and Friends are a phenomenally tight band. Their covers of Chicago, EWF and others are all spot on...plus the energy and joy of performing such soul-inspiring music. I would love to watch them live. I really love their versions of EWF's "After the Love is Gone", Steely Dan's "My Old School" and Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4." Much respect.

@topturretgunner

Жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree with you more. They are exceptional. Tight , spot on. Sound and engineering excellence. Close your eyes and listen to EW&F.

@stephenarthur8718

9 ай бұрын

Trust Me. I saw them here in Knoxville Tennesse. Goosebumps! They are the real deal! I will see them again !

All of them they are high skill musicians congratulations Leonid & Friends

They were considered the best Cover band in the world 3 yrs ago on Billboard.

The BEST Cover band for Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@tj5073

Жыл бұрын

Hope you've seen them doing EWF Fantasy ( it's better than this one) ✌️ ❤ it !!!!!

@johnthegreek5836

Жыл бұрын

@@tj5073 Definitely seen it and I loved it

@jamesrawlins735

4 ай бұрын

I would say one of the two best cover bands of all (Australian Pink Floyd is the other).

I had the good fortune to meet Maurice White in 1981. He came into the club where my band was playing! It was magical!

@Nclght

Жыл бұрын

Im not one to be star struck as they have a job just like me. But Maurice? yeah I'd lose my sh¿t! lol

awesome performance!!!

Newer viewer here, L&F is an awesome band who are even better in concert. It's difficult to imagine they're not native English speakers and yet they get songs down so easily. I strongly recommend seeing them in concert if you're able to. Thank you for your reaction to their cover.

Hey Harri, They are probably one of the best cover bands (if not the best) on the planet!!! Well done my friend!!!

THAT WAS GREAT HARRI, THANKS!!!!!

These folks are fantastic! Listen to their Chicago covers!

@joebloggs8636

Жыл бұрын

He has already.,you are Abit late.

@themusicboxx8419

Жыл бұрын

Top notch!!

Not usually a fan of covers, but these guys are great. They do Chicago like they were Chicago.

Saw them in concert. A great band.

Leonid & Friends are magnificent. I love their talent and ability to surpass the original recordings.

Glad to see you doing another Leonid and Friends cover, Harri. It's hard to believe they can cover these songs so well that many people think they rival the originals. They've done so many covers that I'd be hard-pressed to recommend the next one to you (although if you want some more funk and fun, you might try East River). But I do hope you do more in the future.

Oh my gosh, I have been following Leonid and friends for awhile because of their Chicago covers! They are awesome and super talented! 🥰

My friend, they are indeed incredible. One image that comes to my mind is that if EWF and Chicago were to re-record their old songs, this would be exactly how it would sound with today's technology. And do not forget that Leonid works from the record only, so sheets no nothing, everything from scratch. This is another amazing part of their incredible story !!!

Those Russkies sure have soul, don’t they, Harri? YOU are the ONLY major reactor recognizing this phenomenonal group! Leonid , the bassist and founder, is also one of the sound engineers. Fabulous, huh? Saw them in concert last fall- when they come to the UK you MUST attend! They are ultra friendly and would love to meet reactors.

@rebeccalipps23

Жыл бұрын

I believe they have just begun a tour of the US. I have been following them for years. I hadn't seen this video, but I am glad to see you react to them, again Harri. Any time I see another reactor with a Chicago hit, I always recommend L & F. However, I do object to the term "Russkies".

@mitchellbaxter6314

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccalipps23 Most people think of 'Russkies' as being similar to 'Yankees,' as a casual nickname, not with any derogatory meaning or intent.

@rebeccalipps23

Жыл бұрын

@@mitchellbaxter6314, Then why use the term? The British were once known as Limeys, yet folks no longer use that term. I am third-generation Lithuanian. Lithuania was once part of Russia along with Latvia & Estonia. Russkie was used in a derogatory manner towards my family & me. Americans don't really care about Yank or Yankees because most would associate it with the sports team or as a reference to the civil war. Regardless, it is better form not to use those kinds of terms in general, thanks.

@mitchellbaxter6314

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccalipps23 If people don't think of the word as derogatory, why wouldn't they use it?

@rebeccalipps23

Жыл бұрын

@@mitchellbaxter6314 One may be comfortable nude, but go into the public with clothing. Speaking or writing in a public forum requires a similar self-editing. Please feel free to use whatever personally unobjectionable language you see fit. I've only been a student of Communications & public speaking for 40 years. What do I know?

Cómo quisiera estar ahí con esos fenómenos músicos y maestros sólo escuchandolos hasta cansarme que no creo jaja mis respetos para esa gente con talento musical ... Excelente!!!

Just unbelievable. That was a continuous goosebump.

It doesn't get any better than that!! The perfect cover! You should also check out their Steely Dan cover, "My Old School". Equally mind-numbingly good!

Great reaction! I'm an old school die hard ewf fan and I also was blown away. BTW, have you checked out Frankfurt Studios with Vi featuring Ewf members doing a cover of AWB's" If I ever lose this heaven." Fantastic!

Leonid and friends sound more like Chicago than Chicago does now. Give them a listen!

If theres any band that could put some joy hapiness,laughter back into the world. Cant even begin to describe their music. Bravo, kia ora, absolutely amazing all their covers.

Wow! This is a great cover of an EWF classic. I must say, they did an amazing job. The entire production and arrangement was superb!

Thanks for that Harri. I know you’re a fan of horns and strings in a song so it was a no brainer for me to request this one confident that you’d enjoy it. Their latest is a killer Stevie Wonder cover that hasn’t met the 200k level yet. When it does I’ll be requesting it. Cheers!

I recommend this group playing the songs of Chicago. They have the best Chicago covers, they are spot-on

@joebloggs8636

Жыл бұрын

He's already reacted to a couple

@TheDivayenta

Жыл бұрын

They also do Steely Dan! My Old School will blow your mind.

These guys are just awesome. They can sound just like the real thing. They do Chicago great also.

You have to see them live, I've seen them 5 times and I am friends with most of them. They came to my Hometown at my request last year. In San Jose California. They did a show in Germany at the brass festival last summer as well. Fantastic band fantastic people. And also against the war in Ukraine by the way, don't tell Putin!🤫

@TheDivayenta

7 ай бұрын

I was at that show! Lucky you! They are amazing. ❤

I didn't listen much to earth wind and fire back in the seventies and eighties, but thanks to Leonid and friends, I'm listening to them now.

One of my favs of EWF.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

I can not get over this song. OMG….the intro to this song use to play before the big sporting events back in the day in the late 70’s. I got chills/goose bumps listening to this.

I agree with Harri Best! I love watching Harri Best's reactions. Makes it even better to listen to!

That is quality stuff, then and now!!!

My brother and I are going to see Leonid & Friends in concert in 3 weeks… We are so excited and share your passion about their music!!

Unbelievable, they are from Russia, awesome. Such a great cover version of EWF, in the stone !!!

It's like a vocal and instrumental buffet for the ears.

Awesome band, I buy tickets every time they come to the U.S.

I totally agree with you they are as close to EWF and end it perfectly

I pray you hear their EW&F FANTASY cover!! Tears of joy.

@trekkeruss

Жыл бұрын

👋 Kristina. It is so funny to see everyone commenting here. 😂

What a great cover. I love Earth, Wind and Fire but this was a beautiful performance. So precise, ear pleasing and a total groove. Every instrument shines and funny the vocals remind me of Peter Cetera. You were groovin Harri. Thanks Harri and Michael. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

Love these guys! Can’t wait to see them again!

What makes this group so amazing is the fact that they are all superstars that do what’s best for any given song. For example, the “backup” singers are all lead singers. Everyone gets their shine depending on the song.

Nailed it again!!!! You guys, ROCK!!!!!

Absolutely SMASHED this one! One of my faves since a kid and great work... Talanted guys!

the horn section was so tight sounds just like the studio recording by EWF. Awesome thanks

I've seen Leonid & Friends live four times so far, and will be seeing them again in a few months. They're mainly a Chicago tribute band, so be sure to check out some of their Chicago songs. Also, take a look at their cover of Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody,' which gives the talented and beautiful Ksenia the spotlight.

@trekkeruss

Жыл бұрын

👋 Going through the comments and seeing so many peeps I know here! 😂

@sedd1938

Жыл бұрын

I got to see them in New Orleans 4/30/23 so happy I purchased a standing only at House of Blues because I danced the entire concert ❤

You’re amazing Harri ,you know and appreciate very good music. !!!!

Great reaction! I don’t know this for a fact, but I wouldn’t be the least surprised if most of these musicians are classically trained. The precision is on a whole other level.

@mitchellbaxter6314

Жыл бұрын

You are correct. Leonid is a classically trained choir conductor, and is plugged into the talent stream across Russia.

Phenomenal, such a consistently fine band. The latest is the terrific 'Fantasy' - must be heard!

some one in the U.k needs to bring this band over to us what a band!!

Their most recent release is "Fantasy", another EWF classic and Leonid and Friends smash it!

A+ cover band been listening for a few years now. Their cover of I'm a Man is one of my favorites. Lexington Lab Band is another solid cover band. 🍻

Love it! Keep bringing it!

Written In The Stone is my all time favorite EWF track. I know that tune inside & out, every note, everthing. This cover is PERFECTION. It is as least as good as the original. Mind blowing. My top 3 Leonid & Friends covers are this, Superstar & Hard To Say I'm Sorry

Fabulous 👋👏 👏👏👏 Thank you Michael Hannan and Harri.

God bless earth wind and fire and the band tributing you. Very talented. Love your reaction. Thanks for the memories part of my life

They truly an amazing band and I’m there number one fan❤️😊

@davidhoffmann6771

Жыл бұрын

Live they will blow you away!!’ I’ve seen them 3 times😊

Aren't they awesome,..love how they've grown,..evolved,..to think, and I don't know their whole background, but I bet , as it seems the way they play together, that they have known each other for a while, and have a shared love of many genres of music,..and maybe they like all groups just started out with a couple of musicians with an idea of putting a band together,..and I don't know how serious they were, but again in the way they play,..you can tell the respect, and how serious they take the musicians that came before them, and their music,..what's more, its so lovely to see the young musicians, right along side what may be seasoned musicians (only because some seem to have more grey hair than others😉), I just love that the younger ones are interested in this old music,..and have joined in, continuing in keeping it alive,..do keep checking them out,..I pray you do get to see them,..I so can see them being a part of some jazz festival,..would so love to see them play with Stevie Wonder,..wish they had had the chance to meet up and play with Burt Bacharach(Rip),..they are really, really, really good,..Godspeed, Peace ✌

I caught their show last summer....the house was packed! "Beginnings" by Chicago is special if you have not heard their cover of that Chicago classic!

Man thank you Harri for introducing me to another great band! Of course so know Earth Wind and Fire, and now I'm happy I have these guys to check out!

Phenomenal cover. Everything is perfect about this. They’ve gone through pain staking detail to replicate the original with great fidelity. Only thing is the slight accent that gives it away. But that’s a short list.

Just saw them in concert a week ago and they blew me away. Their energy live is incredible!!

They are so good!

In one way: Fantastic!! 👍👍❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶

They are just the best ' my go to set to get me going first thing in the morning

Dang fantastic horns n percussion 🥁✅

Hey Harri, I like watching your video"s / reactions! We have the same emotions when we watc and listen to this magnficient artits and muscians! Quality of all times! Love it! And all credits to the team of Leonid

This band is fantastic. I have another band that is absolutely amazing. I went to their concert in Washington DC last night. Please check out the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band. The brass section is kicking it. You must see them. HIgh energy, great singers and incredible musicians.

Its mind blowing..how great they are! Getting ready to see them for the second time!!

My favorite song from Earth , Wind & Fire.

Me too! Got to see them LIVE! The perfect syncopation of the chart performances and audio production are just unbeatable! My favorite song elevated to the next level......

Harri, loved your reaction to Leonid & Friends... I've been following them since Leonid's first posting. Since then, I've seen them in person 5 times. They are incredible LIVE as well. I sure hope you get to see them live one day soon. They are also THE sweetest people. You MUST get the meet & greet tickets when you finally get to go...

Гарри, твоя реакция бесподобна😊👍

Modern Recording technics and equipment play a part in the awesome sound of Leonid and Friends.

Harri bellísimo muchas gracias amigo

My favourite Leonid and Friends cover.

The production is over the top WoW!!!! The brass the strings the drummer is a beast never heard a cover band like this

Excelentes músicos, dsd San Luis Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

They are so talented, really amazing ! This song was the credits of a very famous French TV show in the 80's 😉 Thanks for your great reactions ❤

Excelentes músicos, dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷

Excelentes músicos dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷

メインヴォーカリスト！、ファルセットではなくても素晴らしい！！！

they totally embraced of the groove, uncanny, innit? anyone can play it, but they feel it. they exude the vibe. will be fortunate to see them live in NYC this summer. ☮❤🙏

That horn section is omg so good - Sharp clean and just outstanding

Harri, your joy is so infectious! I LOVE L&F, they're just the BEST tribute band anywhere! Even Chicago recognized their talent, featuring them on their own website! Leonid has an incredible ear, and transcribes all the parts for every song for the band, plus he is a stunningly great bassist...the whole band is tighter than a gnat's ass! That's practice and internalizing each song...phenomenal seems trite, but that's what they are!

I Agree Totally Harri, I would love to see them in the UK too and it would be Absolutely amazing to see what EWF though of it too, they'd have to love it!! 😀😀😀

Soooooo goooood

musical excellence 👌

I fully understand the tears!! When one experiences pure talent and excellence to your soul, tears are the only appropriate reaction!! When the originators shake their heads in agreement, you have it before you!! Pure talent surpasses all borders and peoples! This is the excellence of humanity at its best! Too bad its not always with us.

Brilliant I've seen earth wind fire

Best cover band I have ever heard. Been following them since 2017. First song I heard was 25 or 6 to 4 which hooked me. Chicago and EW&F are my two favorite bands. So, when they covered September a year later, I was in heaven. My wife and I saw them last year in Houston. Every bit as good live.

George Massenburg recorded many of the EWF tracks. Superb!

Leonid writes all the arrangements, all the parts, when he turned 60 he decided to do something for himself, this, along with some friends, created this

Legends of: Alex Haley Roots: Ali the Greatest: M.L.King: Time Less near 50 years later Earth Wind & Fire's 🎶🎶🤘

"Hitler would have stopped the war." LOL I think he's on to something there! These guys are that good!

gotta hear their Chicago covers

If I remember correctly, I believe Maurice White did most of the arrangements for all of the orchestration and instruments for EWF through the years. He was such an incredible musician and band leader and he is terribly missed. As I child of the 60’s and 70’s I grew up, listening to Earth, Wind and Fire; and listening to Leonid and Friends, literally brought tears to my eyes while I listened to this. Harri thank you for doing the reaction video, because you were vocalizing exactly what I was feeling in my heart while I was listening to their rendition.

Although this isn't my favorite EWF song this piece so so incredibly complex and as always L and Friends nailed it. My favorite is their cover of Superstar, although I first approached it with trepidation. My memory of Karen Carpenter is stored in a glass box, not to be destroyed. Some performers have broke the glass and insulted her memory, but L and Friends somehow managed to enter the box without breaking it and joining their souls with hers.

bought the album when it first came out, 44 years ago----- wore it out,lol no one quite like EWF