There are so many layers to this original composition. I have been immersed in their music for some time now, and it has been an emotionally charged journey. The beauty of their music, the joy they authentically display, and the unifying spirit of music that transcends politics combine to produce a testimonial to the human spirit. One world. Peace through music

Once again proving that Leonid and Friends is THE BEST BAND in the world today. They need to do more original work, like "Speck of Dust". Can't wait to see them again for the second time in Charlotte in May 2024.

@Canadarago

Ай бұрын

Just saw them in Charlotte last night. Great Great Great!! What an incredible amount of talent on one stage! I think the wave is building for L&F - in a few years they may be touring in big concert halls with orchestral backing like the Moodies and Jon Anderson have done. I’ll be there!

Leonid's bass, as it leads into the last verse, is killer. It's like he's pulling us back down to earth after floating (momentarily) in the stellar debris. The orchestration here is other worldly. Ksenia's arm movements demonstrate how beautifully she feels the music. Simply outstanding. Fun to watch this with you Jeff!

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

🫶🫶🫶

I never get tired of listening to this. Each time, I pick out another snippet of brilliance in this performance. There is so much going on. Just Beautiful.

@davesanders2325

4 ай бұрын

Mark, I can’t stop listening to this piece either. Leonard Bernstein once said of his own studio recording of West Side Story that it sounded almost as fresh as Mozart, but then again, who is in that league (sigh). The same here I dare say. The instrumentation is absolutely fabulous. The composition, orchestration and arrangement of the finale is sensational.

@rickstadel5285

3 ай бұрын

Me three -- what a remarkable composing achievement!

Leonid and Friends is actually a symphony orchestra masquerading as a band. Genius, as always!

Unbelievable song...amazing performance...by Ksenia and all the others in this video!! Never , ever get tired of watching and listening......😀❤💥💢💫👍

What did I just listen to! This is the most complicated piece of music I have ever heard. The mixing the balance of the sound is a masterpiece. I would buy an album of their work. I need to listen again.

@lionheartroar3104

2 ай бұрын

There are three L&F compilations out there. Not sure if this appears on any of them.

Jeff, your initial response was priceless! The initial confused look, followed by the mouth agape reminded me of the first time I heard this. I sincerely hope they can bring us more original beauties like this. But for now, I will enjoy all that they do for you, me, and the world.

Ksenia is a WORLD CLASS SINGER

This is one of the greatest compositions I have heard in my life time! Every little part is so intricately balanced. I love Ksenia's voice, ii love harp. I love the oboe, and the orchestra. The overtone singing flowed beautifully into that infectious driving bassline. I listen to the Speck of Dust at least three or four times a week to :make my soul smile!

As usual Ksenia B kills it! Nice to see Ukrainian Serge T still on vocals. Yes, I was blown away too, this class of production brings tears of joy to my eyes! Amazing! This band is WORLD CLASS! Thank you so much for your review

SIMPY THE BEST OF THE BEST. I AM SPICHLES WHAT NEXT THANK YOU JEF.AND L.F. AND LETS NOT FORGET .OUR VERY DEAR .KSENIA

I can see this piece of music as a movie soundtrack

They are superb Her voice is really magnificent.

This hard-to-classified gem has to be listened over and over to be fully appreciated. And you feel the steppe winds blowing..

Loss of words, just stunned by the whole thing!! And again . that Bass tone...

Thanks, Jeff. A brilliant composition and performance. 5/4 never sounded so good! ♥

I’m glad to see your video reaction to this epic piece. They use a small snippet of “The Speck of Dust” as the opener for their concerts. It’s the recording but it sounds live when hearing it.

Truly spectacular! Every facet of this performance is amazing, from the musicians, lyrics, conducting, arrangement, production, video shooting and sound mix....

And, it's in five!

I know, 100 times I've listened and it still grabs me. We need to hear their own magic.

An amazing piece of music. This group continues to blow me away.

The first time I heard this song I was floored. Amazing talent by everybody. Love your reactions and analysis. Every song this band performs is great. This one is on another level. I don't even know what level that is but I like it.😁

Augment the band. Add orchestra. New piece of complex music in 5/4. Nobody flinches. Ksenia looks so good it's hard to hear her. Leonid Vorobyev is a genius.

Right out of the gate, the polyphonic Mongolian throat singing got my attention. This song is brilliant, from the brass stabs to the rolling bass line (Leonids sound is so fat!). As you noted in another video jeff, Ksenia is pitch perfect. I have not seen an oboe in a rock video before! LOL! I just loved this composition!

@merlinjones6485

24 күн бұрын

Great stuff! That don't sound like much, but I'm very, VERY, fussy about making a good comment about anything!

That was stunning!!! I'm in awe!!

Ken, Jeff: thanks for putting Speck of Dust back on my radar, as I have rediscovered the amazingness of this production. Whatever they select, their tributes, compositions and arrangements are consistently true and respectful to the originals. Such professionals.

Are you kidding me? Putting the beautiful Ksenia aside, this band has to be the best Ive ever heard. This arrangement is stellar. The harmonies are spot on, the orchestration just throws this over the top. Speechless Ill take Ksenia now

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

😂

This should be released on an album, the complex musicianship is just incredible. The song is so emotional and interesting that the lyrics were written by Leonid and his son. It doesn’t get better than this. Thanks Jeff for your appraisal-spot on as usual. In 5/4 time I think!

Listening to this actually brings tears to my eyes! Truly magical performance. I am going to see Leonid and friends in Virginia Beach soon and I simply cannot wait to experience this wonderful band in person ! Thank you for sharing your God given talents with the world.

@rickderby8438

2 ай бұрын

I see they are playing in my area in June. My main question is...how many of his friends can he bring with him?

The very best music Iv heard in a long, long time. Right up there with the Frankfurt Big Band!! Absolutely majestic! The marvelous vocals by Ksenia takes my breath away!!! Brilliant!!

The part in the middle when it slows down and the strings take over is the music that plays when they assemble on the stage at the beginning of each show.

I am blown away,woooow.😮🎉❤

I noticed Leonid used an Orchestra compared to his normal string section. What a voice from Knesia!! Always the WOW Factor!!

Such a beautiful song. I think it’s my favorite of L&F. I’m so glad they are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

I've been wanting L&F to do more original works. I heard this a few years ago and was completely blown away. Just as powerful today as a few years ago!

That was a top shelf performance and production in every aspect. WOW 🤩🙏♥️

As he says… speechless… absolutely huge👍👍👍👍👍

The 5/4 time feel makes this cool and unusual. Add in some movie score sounding orchestra in the middle and this thing just musically goes off the rails. Just fantastic.

Leónid & Friends…other level…

"they had a lot more in their pocket", so true. ☮❤🙏

Just when Leonid & Friends blow the top of of the WOW factor in their covers, along comes The Speck of Dust just takes them to a higher level. Simply fantastic! 👏👏👏👏👏

Always a great start to my day with a new L&F reaction, thanks Jeff, great stuff!!!

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! 😃👏🫶

One of my favorite tunes by L&F. Really showcases the versatility of them all. So amazing. Jeff, glad you were able to enjoy this song .....really appreciate your perspective.

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊😊😊🫶

WOW! There you go again - taking the words right out of my mouth! Just when I think I can't be made more impressed by Leonid and Friends - he does this - and shatters my fragile, assumption based perception of reality! (What will I do, what will I do? - Channel Karl Malden) Just imagine, Jeff, how absolutely joyful we would be if we were lucky enough to be part of such a group as talented as are they. They - Leonid's band of merry men and women - must love him so much - as I am certain he does them. But, to think that despite all of what we have seen so far? We apparently have been remiss not realizing that they could do "this" too and not "just" the covers they do so well? It truly is mind-blowing. But, given Leonid can do what he can do with the great works of the masters of the past, bring to the table the levels of "The College of Musical Knowledge" (Kay Kaiser from the 1940s line); that Leonid possesses - that only someone like yourself can properly appreciate and which, alas - the rest of we, who are un-egde-ee-kayt-ted in such things can only stand in awe of beholding? Should we be surprised - given Leonid possesses all of that and has, at his beck and call, a group of the most talented individuals on earth as singers, musicians, production and video experts - every realm imaginable. We should not be the least surprised that he can pull off this magnificent - event horizon level - production!

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

👏👏👏👏 my man Erik and his golden words!

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Every note, every line. Thank you.

WOW WOW WOW!!!

Brilliant. Great post.

This is a bunch of musicians - as usual but, this time needing a CONDUCTOR and full orchestra for the section that changes pace and time signature .... also as always is the great precision in the note for note replication and stellar singing is another reliable aspect. Thanks, God Bless and Kudos to LEONID & FRIENDS ... you too at Stratele Studios - thanks and Great job as well. jj

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

Thanks JJ!

Full o soul🙏

There is nothing that Ksenia cannot do!!❤❤❤❤❤

@Mrtellitlikeitis

4 ай бұрын

She can kiss me. Im ready

I am a long time subscriber to Leonid’s channel, so I received a notification as soon as this song was posted. It is so complex, that after the first time through, I knew that would have to hear it several more times to digest all of the layers and nuances. I listened to it about five or six times in a row, and then immediately bought the download from iTunes. I have listened to it many times since then, and I still occasionally catch a detail that I had not previously noticed. There is just SO MUCH here to absorb!

Just when you think you have heard the best, then this! Sounded like music from a film!!

The depth and bredth of this composition and the musical chops of all involved is absolutely astonishing. I also listen to it regularly to clear the music cobwebs left by the dreck that passes for much of the music currently on offer. Thanks for another great clip. You might like to listen to The amazing John Findlay's instrumental "In2 the spirit" album. He takes a bunch of the very hackneyed Christmas Carols that blight shopping malls and does some absolutely amazing, utterly surprising instrumental things with them.. Well worth a listen.

If you look up the conductor's name, he is with Bolshoi. I imagine the Orchestra is too. The song is amazing.

i too would have requested this, but i also knew that others already have and here we are! This is the pinnacle of artistry in music! Jeff! Speechless is exactly right!

Sounds like the opening movie score for a major movie. Oscar worthy!

Last year I experienced Mongolian throat singing from another group, Mongolian heavy metal band the HU. This song is a work of art. So glad Leonid brought his friends, r.i.p., composition to life.

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

I love HU!

I might be mistaken, but I think Leonid may also write the scores for everyone. Their story is fascinating and they’re touring in the US this year. I wish they’d come to Canada! 🎶🥰🎶

@matrixinner

2 ай бұрын

yes he does

The string and orchestral arrangements alone for this epic would make quite a few film scorers and composers, including the late Claire Fischer, sit bolt upright and take full notice! Wow, this is up there, not just in, but over the stratosphere. I can count on the fingers of one hand the songs that hit me with full force impact like this: Zeppelin's Kashmir and When the Levee Breaks, Moody Blues Knights in White Satin, Jeff Buckley's Mojo Pin. And now, this masterpiece. Leonid and son - more of these originals please!! You proved your depth and facility with the covers and I hope you will keep doing them... but this piece says it all, does it all. Bravo! I could see the right video director using this track to create a video to present Ukraine's case for peace and freedom.

I believe Leonid rec'd some kind of award for this composition, but I don't recall what now.

You can tell a bass player co wrote this song such a great bass line

Leonid's career in the recording business is certainly evident. He transposes all the cover tunes from recordings to the charts for the players. His late co-worker was co-writer of this tune. His son Romam co-wrote the lyrics and is the bands interpreter when they tour the U.S. His English is pretty good! Leonids mixing skills are amazing along with the video mix. The original guitar player who sings September and Got to Get You Into My Life left the band to go back to Ukraine and fight for his country. Speck of Dust is in 5/4 time and Leonid has the E string on the bass tuned down to C to get that deep note in the chorus.

Thanks, Jeff: Your reaction was the same as I had when I first heard it. It is essential that those who know L&F for their magnificent covers can also know their own works. After this video, L&F won me over forever. A splendid job by Leonid (on bass and arrangements), magnificent Ksenia and fantastic everyone else. Hats off!!

@dotlund1096

4 ай бұрын

Such a great song. I don’t recall the exactness to the recent history of “Grammy” in relation to this accomplishment. I’m hoping someone will chime in with the factual nature of this. 🥰

Jeff. picked up from Wiki. “It seems that with each new video, Leonid Vorobyev’s band, Leonid & Friends, raises the bar. In this one, they did it again - and went big. The music for “The Speck of Dust” was written by the late Alexey Ashtaev, with lyrics written by Leonid and Roman Vorobyev. Alexey Ashtaev and Leonid arranged this for the band and symphony orchestra.”

That was gorgeous! I’ve been waiting for L and F for show us what they can really do. Fabulous

Finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did it !!! 😀😀😀😀😀 It's phenomenal: we warned you!!!!

Saw them last fall in Oregon. Very talanted, great show. Cant say enough. Hope you do more reviews of them. Keep the faith!

LEONID BERNSTEIN, this guy is a genius...extraordinary.

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

🤣👏👏👏

Pure musicians!!!!!

Of course the very beautiful talented Ksenia just crushes with her vocal

Your reaction was the same as mine. Just incredible!!!

Astounding piece of work by Leonid and Friends! So retro and modern at the same time - up there with Floyd and the best!! This should get radio airplay now!!! Good vid by the way!

Literally Overwhelming!

Just once I’d love to be part of something like this. I’ll never have the capacity to play well enough but it has to be an epic experience

Wow! Never heard this song before but OMG! Incredible! I love these guys so much. Leonid and Friends has been on my favorites for years now and they always knock me out!! And who doesn't love Ksenia????? 😻🥰😍❤️😘

I love your channel. Watching your reactions to the various groups, especially Leonid & Friends is like looking in a mirror. Our sentiments of this group are in perfect unison.

Wow, indeed. Next Level, indeed.

It got to me too! When those strings came in, I was just overwhelmed it brought tears to my eyes.

Absolute masterpiece. Mere words can't do it justice.

@lindabergman3127

3 ай бұрын

Facts

Just watched this four times in a row - there is just so much going on. I wish I could download this to my iPhone library. So good

@dttprice

4 ай бұрын

It is available for purchase on all of the usual streaming sites. I bought it from iTunes the same day it was released on KZread.

@robertlieb4399

4 ай бұрын

The audio is for sale iTunes and Amazon music

@alanreynolds4944

4 ай бұрын

@@robertlieb4399 thanks Robert - already downloaded

‘80’s vibe. Love this song!! Thanks for reviewing this song, Jeff.

Wow, love this, not often that we get an original, that classical bridge is to die for! I also like the deep bass, is he in drop d?

This is BRILLIANT!! Love love love!! 🩷🩷🩷

Just an incredible song and performance. Not just a cover band anymore! So glad you finally checked this one out.

Holy Crap!!!❤

Tickets purchased for the May show in Nashville.!

i was looking forward to see this here in your chanel cause i was 100% sure you would be blown away by the interlude as much as i was as i heard it first time...

Love her voice!!

This should be a hit song on all streaming platforms! Leonid and Ksenia are both amazing musicians, along with the regular "friends" and other guest musicians. Very progressive rock sounding, i.e. Alan Parsons, The Moody Blues, ELO, Toto, etc.

Since I first found Leonid & Friends on KZread, I've listened to it everyday, and sometimes all day long ... They're all very good musicians ... I love it!

@TheoSmith249

2 ай бұрын

me too

In my mind, this in an incredible composition and arrangement around a song that is... good, but not uniquely captivating or memorable. I was a pro musician/singer for many years, and I wrote songs. Some of them were pretty good. But there is a certain intrinsic brilliance that great songwriters have; and can use three chords, a guitar or piano, write a melody & lyric, and capture a unique moment in time that will burn into your brain and last forever. I didn't have it. Only the rarest do.

One of the things the Russians have always done is to support the arts. The Moscow Institute is one of the finest institutions for delivering artists that are world class. Obviously, where Leonid hires a lot of his musicians. When you see them live, in venues that are much too small for what they bring to the table, you begin to appreciate their gifts. I've watched his/their videos for a few years now, and am always (as the English would say) "Gobsmacked". Thank you for providing these videos. If nothing else, your videos validate what I've been feeling, and from the comments you receive, you're validating others opinions as well.

@MC-ys3sq

4 ай бұрын

Just imagine...the conductor normally works for the Bolshoi. This is top-level talent.

Magic!!!! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Leonid & Friends.

Jeff, I really enjoy watching your reaction because It matches exactly how I feel whenever I watch Leonid and Friends. The joy on their faces is priceless. And your smile and responses lights up the studio!

Ahh...I have been waiting for this one! Jeff, I cannot express how much I enjoy your reaction videos, and the breadth and scope of the music you cover, as my own taste in music is also quite eclectic. Also, as a drum corps veteran, I was deeply moved to see you do videos on DCI shows. I would love to meet you, someday.

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

Ah man thank you so much Jay! 😃👏👏👏🫶

Wow. Just wow. Mind blowing!

Just great. Glad you came around and embraced this group Jeff😊

Fully agreed just incredible. 😊

Jeff I've never seen you so speechless 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

@StrateleStudios

4 ай бұрын

😃👏👏👏🫶🫶🫶