"After the Love Has Gone" (EW&F Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@vegaswillie]

Jeff, I am the biggest EWF fan for 50 years. I've never seen a cover band that can do a perfect copy of the original. TILL NOW. They are fantastic. I wonder what Philip, Verdine and Ralph think about this group. Nothing but respect from me.

[@DOC36121]

They do not do covers. They are a "Tribute" band, which means they do everything possible to sound exactly like the group they are performing. They are not only amazing on the videos...they are just as good live! Best "Tribute" band ever!!!!

[@anthonyconn4722]

"They captured the soul of the song".... and then they polished it.

[@StrateleStudios]

👏👏👏

[@TheSulross]

and being able to watch them perform these songs adds a 1000% to the experience

[@fw1421]

Agreed! Every song these wonderful musicians do is perfect.

[@TheSulross]

What Leonid has also done in recreating arrangements with these covers of classics from the 70s, is highlight just how wonderful these songs were - we get to visually see that with the arrangement of musicians and their instruments - and the vocals - that Leonid brings to bear to reproduce them. Plus, we get modern digital music recording accuracy and cleanness - which really does much exceed the analog recordings we have from the 70s era. These were truly incredible songs and now am appreciating them on an entirely different level - thanks to Leonid and Friends. I hope that it also leads to new generation of fans for these great classics, as there really isn't much being created in our contemporary era that even remotely compares.

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

Note the Clock-like beat of the drummer - as always HIS PRECISE DRUMMING IS CRISP AND NEVER TOO FLASHY ... just another craftsman on his instrument in Leonid & Friends ensemble !!! Kudos Ladies and Gentlemen !!! GBjj

[@douglaswhite6911]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Trapper50cal]

Igor is the human equivalent of a Patek Philippe.

[@jimwilliams4599]

Superb...there are no more words to describe how good these people are. Danil, Oleg, the orchestra..and everyone else.....there is no band like L&F !😀💜💥👍

[@jerrera45]

I love how this group obviously enjoys working with each other. Phenomenal sound.

[@ericstrange3094]

In watching these performances you will note how much fun, how much enjoyment, how much happiness all the performers have. I don't remember ever seeing a string section also enjoying what they have just participated in so much either. Their happiness is infectious to all who watch.

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes!!!

[@elbowstancenow1519]

I cried a tear...

[@TheSulross]

When Ksenia sings Karen Carpenter in the cover of "Superstar", my eyes get watery as is just such beautiful performance

[@medannylee1]

Leonid & Fiends & HSCC......Best Coverbands on KZbin.

[@TincupPgh]

This level of artistry just doesn't magically appear. I watched this and wondered through the entire song how much work the band put into making this song what it is. Then to bring it all together the way they did...just stunning end to end. Bravo.

[@alejandromunoz4488]

Guys, when they go on tour, they have to show themselves to the world, they are geniuses, greetings from CL

[@markvaars37]

I've seen them twice! They are incredible

[@mikehotdice8699]

I love that they are Russian and proves that music soothes the savage beast. Spent 3 years in Moscow and Russian are great people. Don’t listen to the fake media. Russian are all class, love music and dance and get this, they love Americans.

[@sdanjohn]

Leonid (the bass player and orchestrator of this group) love how he always has a big smile on his face as they are performing. He looks like a proud papa as well as he should.

[@davidhine2228]

Wow what a great group of professionals ....right on key ...with perfect arrangement.....

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

Three keyboards in this arrangement. So wonderful a session group .... they always play with joy, precision and beauty in their souls ..... love the energy and result on each cover !!! God bless, jj

[@craigpatrickpereira1860]

It is absolutely fabulous, competing with the best. They are probably the current best band around the world ❤

[@deb8415]

Good lord.....they are so incredibly good....every single song they cover they are spot on. Gives me chills every time. I just love their music. Bravo!!!

[@thewey]

The FACT is Leonid and Friends is THE GREATEST BAND in the whole World. I can't wait to see them in Charlotte (my second live performance with them). JEFF...YOU MUST HEAR THEM LIVE! Thanks for recognizing them for the marvelous "healing" spirit that they project.

[@jbach4311]

100% Agree!!

[@georgevassey3729]

Absolutely astonishing talent.These people should be selling out 60,000 seat stadiums world wide.The best of the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AliAsif303]

True

[@Colletepaula]

Come to ireland 🇮🇪

[@thewey]

Once Again Proving Beyond-a-Doubt that Leonid and Friends IS the BEST BAND in the World!

[@Dana9437]

incredible group! Love them to pieces!!!!

[@ellsrustia6329]

Beautiful ❤❤❤Thank you…from Canada🎉

[@michaellazzeri2069]

SIMPL INCREDIBLE -------THE ATTENTION TO EVERY NOTE------JUST GORGEOUS. SIMPLY GORGEOUS. I SAW EWF 2 TIMES------WISH IT WAS 200. ------------MJL, 78 Y/O

[@michaelgwfrogwelge]

Splendid mixing of a wonderfully complex performance...

[@RobertMacCready]

The editing, quick and fast views around the band, and the vocal mixes are perfect.

[@samhaskins2506]

This song sends tingles up my spine every time, so thankful Leonid and Friends brought it bac k to life again and reproduced so faithfully, not a single beat wrong! Totally brilliant! So happy when they started with Chicago, added EWF to the mix and also covered a Blood Sweat & Tears number, Spinning Wheel! Thank you David Foster for giving that beautiful song to EWF!

[@mgalego4729]

Seeing all that smiles in their faces show us how they love what they're doing... The result couldn't be other than love this band even more.

[@jimbizness3864]

"Danny" does a great job with the solo vocals, but my favorite part of this one is Oleg on the alto. He is a fantastic player and is also the band's resident comedian. First show I saw, he was off the stage walking through the audience while playing, then dancing on a table (while fans were seated there) during one of the songs.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha nice!

[@dougmildram3032]

When I saw them live in spring 2021? it was their first tour stop of the year, they just barely cleared customs/visa/etc in Europe, landed in NYC?, exhausted from bus ride to Boston area... They gave their all, though nowhere near as tight as the studio songs. Oleg prancing all over stage is not so cool, actually but thanks for sharing your love, helps my memories. My dream band.

[@scottward7813]

Saw them in 2022 in Spirit Lake Iowa. Believe me, they deliver live. Stunningly good!

[@Henniechampschoeman]

GOOSEBUMB STUFF

[@brianwest4335]

Is there never a time you do not seeing Leonid not smiling its like the group are his kids and smiling in approval

[@jamiecobb3549]

Love this band. Simply fantastic. Thanks for sharing the love. Brings back good memories.

[@jaimeromero9938]

Son espectaculares, soberbios, hacen un honor a la musica

[@richardcyrka6682]

Please, please please put out an album of originals.....I've been a musician for nearly 50 years and this has to be one of the best bands I've ever heard.

[@SteveInQLD007]

Yes, this band is amazing, there's actually a few out there ie Lexington Lab Band and HSCC to name a few - the quality of talent is truly off the charts!! 🙏👍🤟

[@gregberg6288]

Another good choice from Leonid and Friends. Have to thank you for the artists you have exposed me to. So many talented artists. Thanks for what you do.

[@santiagososa4980]

Exelentes músicos y cantantes. Salu2 dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@stefanpolihronopoulos723]

If this is considered a cover band, the so too are the Philadelphia Symphony.

[@MontesiDavid]

Just love this band!! Wow !!

[@TNKHART]

Jeff, you need to try and see them live. I know they are touring the States again this year. We saw them last November. Their vocals, musicianship and talent did not disappoint.

[@patriciat4493]

I've been living under a rock or something..........I just discovered Leonid and I'm hooked! Beyond amazing!

[@mikek2218]

"Reminds me of all the dances I never went to..." Amen my brother. That is me to a tee as well. I am always blown away by these guys.

[@StrateleStudios]

😂👏👏👏🫶

[@danbates6285]

This band is Sooooo tight, Excellent!!!!!!!!

[@YvetteFrost]

I have no words i so enjoyed loved ❤️ 🎉 this

[@HalRace]

I discovered you doing Dirty Loops reactions and was glad the folks made requests to review Leonid. What I like is that the music, well played hits you emotionally. It does that to me and being a long time musician, I can also appreciate the technical abilities of the musicians. Leonid amazes me with their passion to do American music...and they're Russian...something that adds to the mystique for me, who has been around since the cold war days. I would love to hear your insights into the technical aspects of using multiple studios and the difficulties of getting the performance so well synced. Notice the background wall color of the studio when the video picks up Serge's vocals. I believe that is his Kiev location. Given the present state of their world, I can only hope he is safe and well.

[@douglaswhite6911]

Pure magical Succulence! Leonid and Friends are as good if not better than the original groups! I’m 64 and am sooooooo grateful that Leonid and Friends are bring the finest years of music to our world today. What an amazing group of musicians!

[@Noworries555justdreams]

Thank you so much. Was waiting on this one. Huge Leonid and Friends fan here for years. And they are every bit as good live and in person. Infact this song started everything for me. ❤

[@rontiemens2553]

Not only do Leonid and Friends capture the soul and essence of the songs they do, they always, always, always also bring in something new and wonderful. The mantel of Chicago has fallen on them. I really truly believe that.

[@billoneil6594]

Another great review of this fantastic band. I think you nailed it when you said how well they capture the "essence of the song"....great observation. I think that is exactly what they do with every tune they cover which is why I love this band so much. Keep em coming!!

[@truthfacts57]

I was 22 when they song came out in 1979 over the years members of the band pass away. With groups like L&F its takes me back , but also if I was able to play music , I would be in a group like this . But I'm a athlete and that is my # 1 passion . Music is a very close #2 I enjoy how you reaction is alot like mind would be .

[@peterg219]

Yeah!!! You've discovered Leonard & Friends. Music that embraces the original with such gorgeous acoustic precision, videography and transitional harmonies. The smiles, the images of artists at work, the vibe, the sweetness, wow, wow, wow. And the bass & all those other bits with so much feeling. Bless these great artists... Cheers from Sydney Australia.

[@ericmcdowell5762]

Yeah, ... love Oleg's solo at the end. They don't call him "Sexy Sax" for nothing.

[@LuisArana-ze1]

Amigo se ve q disfrutas mucho de esta cancion cover de Leonid and Friends...igual yo disfruto de estas canciones y recuerdos inolvidables de aquellos años en Peru South America mi pais...hermoso cover y una excelente Banda.....

[@fredselbman3319]

It doesn’t get any better than that ! Amazing

[@gregjamison5151]

The camera coverage is so good to make sure all the members are highlighted too.

[@ChrisGillespie-fe8fq]

Forgot how much I dig Earth, Wind & Fire!! Great cover, that sax solo! Geez ❤

[@NickatLateNite]

I have been listening to these guys for almost 9 years... all they do "Is Get Better"!!!

[@davidfoxall8765]

They are astounding. I saw them a couple years ago in Birmingham, AL, and they are by no means some "auto-tune" wonders. They sound AWESOME live. I have tickets to see them in April in Oxford, AL. Looking forward to it!!!!

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. Our love for this band will never be gone. ♥

[@suyantosoeradi5194]

Almost perfect❤

[@russleslie36]

The best cover band ever. I love everything they do. The rehearsal time must be incredible. You really need to hear and do a video on Speck of Dust. It will blow your mind. Cant believe the musicianship on every thing they do. Thanks for being a fan.

[@Duh6666666]

They cover all these great songs that were recorded with analog tech and blow them up with today's way superior sound quality. Beautiful cover of a complex song. They are so talented that I'm never surprised to see one of them on another instrument.

[@TheSulross]

Their ability to always nail the vocals so well - that is just so uncanny. Like I've never head anyone else do a Carpenter cover as well as Ksenia covers Karen Carpenter's voice. And the Steely Dan "My Old School" vocal - it is just a perfect rendition of Steely Dan essence (and yes, the guitar playing right there with the vocal - and can't forget that cow bell 😁)

[@tomoday4450]

How Are they so great 👍🏻 Everything they do 👍🏻🔥🔥🔥

[@gillesdomergue9705]

super music!! thak you!!

[@philippepiveron4937]

Jeff ! At this speed of publication you will soon exhaust their catalog ! ;-)

[@StrateleStudios]

I intend to hahaha

[@victorsegura9569]

Super horquesta muy buena musica

[@mybrucester858]

Just heard that they ( L & F) got a gig next month in Dubai before hitting florida on their next east coast tour..200 shows now? its unreal how they just sell out seats everywhere ..been to a couple & im eager to see them again..its a love fest ...this one gets me teary with how beautiful they bring every emotion to it

[@deeglencairn2598]

Let’s just accept Jeff nobody can reproduce the complex vocal layers and attention to detail that Leonid and his amazing group of friends produce every time. It seems the more complex the song the more impressive their version is. I assume their live performances produce similar quality. Really love the work Jeff keep on keeping on 👍

[@dotlund1096]

Their live performances are just as amazing. They’re so great on stage!

[@StrateleStudios]

They are absolutely amazing!

[@brianwest4335]

Another smash picking a favorite is like picking out your favorite slice of bacon

[@CarolynStewart-v5q]

I keep saying the Leonid and Friends don't just cover songs, they give it love and tributize them. This is so evident here as they cover EWF again. It's so unbelieveable how good this sounds.

[@jasonbabila6006]

Maurice would be proud, RIP Maurice. 🙏🏽

[@sdanjohn]

Love your reactions. This band is about as close to perfection as you can get. Lexington Lab Band ain’t too bad either. Don’t know if you’ve explored some of their stuff. Excellent as well.

[@47heritage]

Trying not to over simplify things here Jeff. I cannot help but believe that if the everyday normal people of the world could just enjoy getting to know one another, wanting the same basic needs like taking care of their families, pursuing interests they have and looking out for each other without the power hungry leaders making a mess of everything, our own country's leaders being no different, what a wonderful world this would be! Having watched and listened to L & F's for awhile now and seeing interviews with them I would gladly have anyone of them as next door neighbors!!! I'm a hobbyist musician, drummer since I was 10 and I'm 76 now, song writer and producer of my own music and I always have felt that music is the universal language. This band sure does seem to erase the differences in the people around the world through their music and their warm inviting attitude. I wish for them continued success and popularity for as long as they want to do this. And I hope it's for a long time!!! Thanks for your great channel Jeff!!! Bob Love, Los Angeles, CA

[@StrateleStudios]

I could not have said it better myself Bob! I really love this comment! 👏👏👏🫶

[@47heritage]

@@StrateleStudios I just love this band and all that they represent. I hope to see them if they tour the States this year somewhere near Los Angeles. Thanks so much for your comment Jeff and many more thanks for the great channel you have here!! I'm subscribed and look for you every day. Take care My new You Tube friend!!! Bob

[@StrateleStudios]

@@47heritage thank you so much my friend!

[@Nancyshank]

Love, love, love them! Can’t wait for Speck of Dust reaction.

[@daveburchfield9105]

Regarding Speck of Dust….probably the most involved work in their catalogue. Leonid’s background in classical music shows in the influences of “Mars” from The Planets.

[@brianwest4335]

Speck of Dust will blow your mind written by Leonid and his son Roman

[@daveburchfield9105]

Brian……Alexey Ashraev is credited with writing the music and collaborated with Leonid and Roman on the lyrics. I’m pretty sure Leonid scored the arrangement, which is stellar.

[@DaveyL1954]

I've been a musician since I was 7 years old, I'm now 70 this year. This was the ensemble that I always wanted to play in. 100% superb. Perfection personified

[@philnaccarato]

This whole thing was one of the most impressive covers that Leonid and the group has done. I was blown away listening to this - AND THEN - the freakin' sax solo was so perfect it put a cap on this amazing production.

[@jon-kl9mk]

I swear you can close your eyes & they sound just like EW&F. L&F are one of those bands that has their covers down to a T 👍

[@469buck]

Love your reviews/reactions. These guys are primo. I MUST see them on their next tour.

[@StrateleStudios]

Me too. JUST as I was starting to hear about them, they played near me and I missed them. My buddy got to see them and was completely floored by them live.

[@469buck]

@@StrateleStudios Hope you'll get to "Speck of Dust" soon. An original for them, with incredible orchestration (and Ksenia's vocals...).

[@469buck]

@@StrateleStudios They were here in Reno and I missed them. They also played in the bay area and LV. I would have flown to any of those venues. Your friend was lucky.

[@woodturnermark8529]

Jeff , you said it, THEY GET IT ! What an awesome band !

[@mikesed860]

I love this band as much as you, I've turned friends to them and they have actually gone to see them twice. My favorite musician is Igor on the drums, he is in the pocket in every song they do, he actually reminds me of a seasoned truck driver like myself shifting gears and not missing a beat.

[@lindadanzey3823]

So beautiful🤗🥰 I love your comment about this song remind me of all the high school dances you didn't go to.I'm a child of the seventies.. I didn't go to any of my high school dances not even the prom. Our hearts are connected to the music.Thank-YOU❤

[@StrateleStudios]

I didn’t go to prom either! I convinced my parents to give me an equal amount of money so that could buy Dungeons and Dragons stuff. 🤓😆

[@virginiacorcoran1326]

I close my eyes, and see Earth, Wind and Fire performing this. Their sound is so beautiful.

[@Dana9437]

spine tingling!

[@debrarodriguez9278]

Whst a gift bunch if people. Remarkable likeness

[@reneopdam9155]

From Holland… great show is this. Good luck!!! Leoned &friends are amazing

[@JeannieAiello]

I love them they are amazing!!!!!!

[@naknaksdadn572]

i had a chance to meet Oleg as well as the others..He took out a couple of minutes to chat with me as best as he could. He is a witty, fun loving guy who just loves entertaining and making people smile! Ya gotta watch some of their live shows as they interact with the audience! Jeff, y'all got a beautiful channel and as a fellow musician i am so pleased to have found it (you)! ~Scott~

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you Scott! So glad you’re enjoying the videos! 😊😊😊

[@reallife7235]

It's good to watch Italians review songs. That would be here at this site and Rick Beato. It's in your blood.

[@seekinghim1272]

Awesome!! So many beautiful instruments and vocalists! Come to. North Carolina! This is real music. ❤❤❤❤

[@gabrieloscarvaldez1111]

Las lagrimas salen solas es total ess emoción

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

I'm impressed with how they synch up singers or musicians who are somewhere else

[@monaestrada6256]

This is such a cool group! Everything they cover is spot on!

[@flameofelijah]

Absolutely EPIC

[@AssetInvesting]

LOL, "This reminds me of all the dances I didn't go to." So funny.

[@StrateleStudios]

😂🤣😂

[@damuslvr]

This song was written by Bill Champlan, who was in Chicago at the time, and David Foster, who was producing Chicago at the time.

[@jeffsparey9585]

Their version of Fantasy by EW&F IS amazing

[@caprise-music6722]

Holy smokes that’s amazing!!! I’m lost for f words!

[@gabrieloscarvaldez1111]

Oiga maestro se le cayeron algunas lágrimas se emocionó al escucharlos no ??

[@megstsauveur6881]

This group is absolute magic! Love love love them! 🩷🩷🩷Hoping to see them perform this summer! 💕💕💕

[@valerielynn7256]

Great reaction ty u should do Leonid and friends I’ve been searching or your the inspiration 2 amazing Chicago covers this band can do anything

[@iyorit1089]

I first heard this song on the album Airplay in 1980. I think David Foster's contribution to Chicago and AW&F was huge.

[@guywarwick9060]

the strings do a phenomenal job of supporting the song. That's one of the big pluses of this version.