The Backing Vocals and Harmonies just don't get Any Better!!! Standing Ovation!!

It's how faithfully they reproduce the original...that's what's impressive. It can't be done without commitment and true affection for the source material.

They are like having the original band perform as the music was intended. Leonid is a master at what he does.

Keeping the excellence alive.

This is the first time Ksenía joined "the boys"; in one of the background videos Leonid said he invited Ksenía to join because she provided the harmonies which were sung by members of the Beach Boys on the Chicago original. The rest is history.

@erik1836

Ай бұрын

And, there is the fact that she's somewhat attractive - that adds a nice touch too!

I love these guys, have seen them live 3 times, and had the privilege of talking closely with some of them on their first U.S. tour. My understanding is that "Ksenona" is both an affectionate derivation of Ksenia's name ( as Russians often do, especially among friends or family) as well as the name by which she became known and loved by her fans in China. By the way, kudos on your reaction-style, and the actual knowledge and appreciation that you share with us.

I believe this is the first song that Ksenia sang on. Leonid needed her to fill in with the Beach Boys harmonies that were part of the original Chicago song. She has become an integral part of the band ever since.

To me it's like listening to the original, if the original band had the modern-day equipment. The fidelity is just so much nicer with Leonid & Friends.

I don’t think L & F always get the credit they deserve for their vocals and this for me is one of their best example of their expertise in that skill. Haunting, and as you say captures the essence of the song, and more. Great bass by the way! Thanks again Jeff for your expert commentary 😊

This is one of my favorite songs that L&F songs (Beginnings is probably my favorite). I've seen them 3 times in concert, but I don't think I've heard them do this live.

Jeff, you mirrored my sentiments exactly. They bring back the excitement. I only listen to music through reaction videos now. It's so satisfying watching them fall in love with "our" music.

IGOR play part by part he is amazing !!! I love that songggggg !!!!! Serge in the guitar is a master ,,,,

A grand testament to this group of artists is that one of their biggest fans is the Band Chicago themselves!

I have been fortunate to see the original Chicago twice and to see L&F live. Leonid and friends are so close to Chicago it’s amazing.

They are sooooo gooood. Thank you!!

That was her stage name when she was on Russia's version of The Voice

Perfection to the minutest detail. I have no words to describe the mind-blowing quality of their work, from the scoring to the musicianship to the production. This one shows just how versatile Vasily Akimov is with his vocals. And our first exposure to the impossibly-beautiful and amazingly talented Ksenia. I'm not overlooking Leonid's vocals either. On a quality scale of 1-10, this is an 11 as usual for them.

Hi Jeff, Mystery solved! I checked her IG page and it appears that Ksenona was derived from the cute version of Ksenia as in Ksenonchka. She really is world class talent! Thanks again for giving more exposure to this brilliant band!

Well, said Jeff! It is the ultimate honor a group can pay to another group, total respect! And keep up the wonderful work, man I love your reactions and analysis!

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

🫶

I saw them last night in A!exandria, VA. My 4 th time. Love these people.

This is my absolute favorite song from Leonid and Friends! They do so much justice to Chicago and the Beach Boys who provided the harmony vocals for this song! That takes a lot of talent!

Been listening to this band for a few years now. They do a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the original work. I heard Chicago live in a high school gym in 1971…great concert…Leonid et al. has revitalized this music with great talent and artistry. Clearly, something you recognize. Can’t wait to see what they do next! I enjoy watching your posts. Thanks!

Vladimir Popov - the grey guy singing backing vocals - usually is part of the wind section playing saxophone, flute, recorder, and percussion .... turns out he can sing too.

This group never disappoints

I love hearing Leonid take the lead vocal now and then.

I'm planning on going to their performance in Carmel, IN on Sept 27, 2024, ... and also be included in their "Meet and Greet" after the show.

I totally agree with you about tribute bands and the artistry. L&F is my favorite tribute bands. They are keeping the music we love alive and presented with heart. I think of it like the LA Philharmonic playing Mozart. I've seen them three times and will see them in the fall in St Louis.

I like the vocal style that Leonid brings when he sings.

Funny, I actually noticed and thought to myself "Jeff's forgotten what he's doing!" as you were watching! And I get it, I was back in 8th grade listening to this!!

@dougdornseif

Ай бұрын

I've watched about 5 times now and don't think I've heard one dropped or out of place note!!

Gorgeousness. ❤

this video has only been up for 2 hours and it has 375 view, 104 thumbs up, and 33 comments. i think that is a true testament ot both your channel and the choice of music. i think Leonid really enjoys playing the bass more than anything. great tone. i will be seeing them this Saturday and Sunday. so excited.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Cool! 👏👏👏🫶

Thanks, Jeff. Another great cover. Igor ties it all together.

Hi. Did you know Nightwish drop their new single Perfume of the timeless. Love to see you analysing this.🤘Thank you.

well said

Goosebumps …. Goosebumps …. Goosebumps …. what to say?!🥹🥰 🥹🥰🫠🫠🫠 Oh yes - your graphite drawings are beautiful, Jeff! 👌🏼🫶🏼🤗 (I get what you mean, btw.😉👍🏼).

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Thank you dear friend! 😃👏👏👏🫶

@lisedonsgrnning6518

Ай бұрын

@@StrateleStudios 🫶🏼🤗

Jeff: As always, a great R & A. I am quite a sucker for sentimental. melancholic tunes and love songs. This performance is right up my alley. These guys are so multitalented, is there anything L&F can’t do?

This band just floors me time and time again. Such accurate reproductions of my favorite band from the 60s/70s. Excited to finally see them live June 2 in New Jersey.

🎉

Jeff - I’ve really enjoyed your reactions to the L&F videos, the group is so authentic and such a treat to hear. I was a little surprised to hear your comment about the ending of the song. It sounded like you were caught a little off guard by it - but it’s exactly the same way the original song ended. L&F have managed to capture nearly all of the same nuances - the “soul,” as you’ve said - of these songs, they can evoke all the same emotions from the past but still somehow make it sound fresh. Thanks for posting their music!

Great reaction Jeff, and I'm with you on the talent and time they put in to their videos. I mean we get to see the finished product they've done after who knows how many hours of rehearsals. I never tire of listening to them. Counting the days until November 2nd.

They sound fantastic as usual.. but I have to give props to the drummer, that dude is a master on the skins.

What is amazing about the performances of Leonid and Friends - and, frankly, "amazing" is hardly a word able to carry the water adequately - when it comes to them, is that? The collective efforts evidenced by their group effort is a microcosm exemplar of the qualities that make life the wondrous, amazing experience it is worth all the toil, the trouble, it takes to make, do things right in the face of a seemingly cruel and uncaring world; and create at the highest, most ephemeral levels. When I watch them, what I see as an orchestrator, configurer of people myself, whose role within the worlds and people I connect with is to correlate and enhance the synergistic result, almost exponential multiplication of power factor that comes of having their efforts focused laser like - that yields a result that is greater than the sum of its parts is the fact that? We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Leonid and his mind boggling genius. Not that, and I would feel totally safe betting he's even remotely interested in, to any degree, being feted, praised, be rooster-like or walk the walk of a proud peacock parading; while claiming, singing a rousing chorus of, "I did it my way." Impossible to imagine isn't it? Lol Nevertheless, to say that Leonid is brilliant is, in this case is too again, to echo the failure of another word of exclamation - like "amazing" above was - to truly define the powers of mind, creativity and delicate coordination of powerful, immensely talented people he does that are exhibited in their productions. He is for want of a better characterization a - see Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda; he is a "Man if Knowledge", of true Power kept in check and balanced and thus, - capable of commanding the willingly given, total dedication and love - that they all - obviously - feel for him. Thereby, consequent, allowing him - to lead them whither he wilt, has designed, deigned, decided for them all to go as one together. And then? Manifest the magnificent as they, and he, do so ably with aplomb and joie de vivre par excellence do!

All you´ve said Jeff, again! It´s hard to comprehend the level of knowledge and passion going into thesee re-creations but the feelingsI ge t from these are complex and real. And yes, this one is special...

I love this song. Dan

With each video of theirs, the same thing slays me each time: how do they pronounce these English words with such an amazing flat American accent??!!?? If I were to study any popular Russian song and try to sing it, I doubt most Russians would be able to listen to it! Lol

Just the GREATEST SOUNDS OF MY YOUNGER DAYS ...... and a tribute in honest admiration, high caliber musicianship of Leonid & Friends .... Kensia Busina as I recall - is phenomenal in her own right = See (HEAR) = her cover of One Last Cry (McKnight cover) She is incredible. They are my favorite cover band !!! GBjj

Oh, how the music industry has lost its way as you listen to these incredible musicians.....

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

I feel you!

It is really hard to call out anyone in this group since they are all fantastic. However, I just love Igor on drums on this. He just nails it. I have to admit I enjoy listening to the L&F versions over the original versions.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

He really stands out

Thank you Jeff. Great song great group. Can't wait to see them up in Salem. Salem is a hour away from Eugene Oregon 😁

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Yay!!!

Incredible! I just dream myself away listening to this. I don’t care if it’s not the original. It’s as good as the original because It makes me feel! p.s I don’t know, but maybe Ksenona was Ksenia’s stage name at some point. Also, perhaps this was her first song with Leonid and friends.. but I don’t know.

This was amazing! I’m hoping to see them perform in June! 🩷🩷🩷

Besides the beautiful harmony, the part that stood out the most to me was when Vasily temporarily took over the lead singing and Leonid was using a pick on the bass. I can listen to that part over and over again. Vasily typically sings songs that require more of a rough, gravel voice, but not in this one! Dan

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Totally agree! 👏👏👏

Like you, I really enjoy (And to some degree "marvel") the faithfulness Leonid places on these songs. I'm an old musician from a musical family and we were all raised to appreciate even the minute intricacies of compositions... but I wonder... do you think that mostly musicians have a deeply imbedded appreciation for works like this? I think non-musicians can also, but I suspect the ones who reason that they can listen to the original so these terrific tribute bands have no place, aren't musicians and just can't appreciate the hard work and the gift from God required to duplicate it. Just a thought. Curious about your take on this.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

The opinions of music and the efforts of musicians are so subjective. One hears brilliance while another just waves a hand and walks away. It truly is a magical thing. Sometimes I think “how can you not hear this like I do?”

That group is one of my favorite Chicago cover bands.They are spot on for all their vocals and instrumentation. Love the harmonization on wishing you were here. fantastic.

Backing vocals on the original Chicago song was the Beach Boys

What more can we say about L&F? What more can we say about your reactions, Jeff? I love to listen to both. I hope you post a lengthy reaction after you see the group live. Maybe you can take some video. I'm expecting you'll be doing a meet and greet.

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

I’ll definitely tell my story!

I love listening to this band!! They’re very talented!! I love old school music!!

Great Job👍❤️

I truly love Leonid & Friends, for they are truly spectacular and come off sounding just like Chicago. However, whereas they were formed by Leonid scouring all of Russia and Ukraine for members, the group Chicago's members were all drawn from one U.S. city and that is remarkable when you realize how talented and cohesive they all were.

❤

Where can we see your graphite drawings?

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

I just posted a couple on my community tab. Thanks for asking!

@lisedonsgrnning6518

Ай бұрын

@@StrateleStudiosAnd they are beauutiful!!!🤗

Thanks!

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 🫶

Hi Jeff! Loved your description of doing pencil portraits that match the original photograph. My late Dad who passed back in 1997 used to do this exact process. He was a very talented artist and singer, hving song for a time with Les Brown, and doing these pencil portraits were his favorites. Well one more outstanding performance by Leonid & Friends on the song that Chicago and the Beach Boys did together. As always they nailed it. Speaking of the Beach Boys Jeff that Disney Channel documentary on the Beach Boys is going to be aired this Friday. Check for time. I understand Brian might be part of this although since his wife Melinda passed he hasn't been the same. I attended her memorial and Brian was there in a wheelchair. I sat in the back with Van Dyke Parks and his wife and didn't get to see Brian. Love your Channel Jeff and I'm subscribed!! Take care!! Bob Love, Los Angeles

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Thank you for this comment Bob! 👏👏👏🫶

Nobody does Chicago songs better.

You’re right Jeff, the feel with the to notch perfection that this group puts out. They are as good or better in concert, you’re gonna have a ball!! I wanna see some of your art work, for sale?

@patrickhill8748

Ай бұрын

Story 😜 just got to the end, peace!

@StrateleStudios

Ай бұрын

Always for sale 😄

Ksenonachka Is a Russian pronunciation of her name, I believe? She didn't change it. This is an older video too.

The only thing missing is The Beach Boys

🤍💛🧡💗💚💙💜🤎🖤✌

As you can probably surmise, this is a very early recording (before Serge). My guess with Ksenia's name is that Ksenona is their initial attempt at an English spelling.

If you don't smile every time Ksenia is in focus, there is something wrong with you. Seriously. Get help. ;)

@gregharmon3797

Ай бұрын

I can’t wipe the smile off😊