"Dialogue (Part I & II)" (Chicago Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you everyone for coming to the Premiere! It's been a total blast for me to walk through all of these wonderful songs from the past. Leonid & Friends are absolutely amazing at what they do! Also, thank you all for your requests. I would never have known about any of this if it wasn't for you! Love you guys!

[@marklester7276]

Not sure if you know, but Leonid when he started following Chicago, he could not get the sheet music in Russia, so he wrote the music for each instrument by ear.

[@StrateleStudios]

@@marklester7276 remarkable!

[@dotlund1096]

Thanks for this Saturday morning song! Great way to start the day watching the joy you find in their music. Can’t wait for more!!!🎉

[@ironkim3998]

Was this a Premier today?

[@philippepiveron4937]

Thanks to you Jeff ! Thank you for creating this channel which I now consider to be a good place to live!

[@Eloso3135]

Is there any time you don’t finish a Leonid & friends without a huge smile? I know I always feel happy hearing these guys. I had this song on a 45 when I was a kid.

[@DanielHeath-b2p]

When this song was recorded, Vasily spoke the least amount of English. Every member of this band works extremely hard to speak and understand our language. Vasily is a great person. Thank you for highlighting this wonderful group of musicians. Dan H.

[@pepevisedo7304]

You are absolutely right Jeff: This band plays with an energy and joy, a power and emotion, that turns their covers into their own works. It is the main difference (besides the great technical quality) with any other tribute band. They don't really do covers: They bring the songs back to life!

[@matto9734]

This Brass section + the Bass... always! The arrangement is pure gold + that tempo change^^

[@franciscosuro3144]

You still have a long way to go, and enjoy L&F, Make Me Smile, Vehicle, Satisfaction (Ksenia singing), Speck of Dust, etc. They don't disappoint. They are excellent!

[@brants7131]

I listen to this band every day in my office and my studio. I do love hearing your reaction and is just as fun as playing the original Leonid & Friends on loop. I am in my 50's and know these songs. I play along with them on various instruments and all of their songs are ON POINT and Perfect! Whoever their mixer is needs a friggin award! I am going to see them in North Houston TX this fall! But I'd pay damn near anything to stand in the center of one of these recording sessions!!!

[@vegaswillie]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the music drops, Vasily goes off and that last 30 seconds was pure magic. 🎹🎤🎸

[@yarasub]

His accent was real heavy when they first came to the states and Leonid worked with him and he just kept getting better and better. Now he sings most of Kaths vocals. He really put in the work and it shows.

[@rbrobyn1]

This song was my introduction to Leonid & friends. I was instantly hooked.

[@samhaskins2506]

What's totally amazing about this track is, if you noticed the different purple background Serge T has, he is doing that from his own studio in Kiev! Amazing how this collaboration is so flawless. As always, Thanks SO MUCH Jeff for giving them the added exposure they so deserve and to think this all started from a birthday gift Leonid want for himself when they did their very first song together. I for one am so happy they kept going song after song after song!!!! It is so good to see you so totally blown away by all their numbers as I was, I'm not ashamed to say, I was overwhelmed with tears of joy when I first discovered this awesome Russian/Ukrainian band!

[@dannarasmussen5456]

A timeless song with lyrics that every decade can relate to.

[@StrateleStudios]

Totally!

[@tomkarafa8605]

Can't go wrong with early Chicago . Outstanding .

[@sandrisjansons1515]

That small bass phrase at 2:04 was just amazing ! Kudos Leonid !

[@ronnieday1601]

Jeff, this clip is one of the group's early ones, and yes, I too noticed Vasily's slight accent. It's pretty much gone now. I want to say that Igor has got to be one of the best drummers playing today. He and Leonid lay down a great groove! Both are so precise, yet very musical, too! And the very small on-the-road support staff deserve a ton of credit for doing an excellent job of sound mixing in all the different venues the band plays in, sometimes different rooms several days in a row. That's difficult to pull off at best. And of course, the posted videos are simply outstanding! I've shot stills for some of their Texas shows in the past and the entire group are extremely gracious and seems to have limitless energy, especially considering the pace, length, and range of their tours! Yes, I'm a big fan.

[@469buck]

May be time for "Speck of Dust". Superb orchestration and...oh yes....everything else!

[@regent5808]

It's so cool to to watch you enjoy this music.

[@lindabergman3127]

Yes seeing his reactions make me enjoy these wonderful songs even more😂❤

[@beaufitz8993]

It’s like listening to the great Terry Kath on lead!! Leonid and friends are the greatest cover band in the US today!!

[@tonychieffo1756]

Thank you so much for highlighting Leonid & Friends! You have some great reactions and are obviously very knowledgeable! L&F are not only so talented, but they really bring out the true spirit of these amazing songs and bands…….when, I believe music was truly special! Chicago is my all time favorite with Earth, Wind & Fire following a little behind, so you can probably imagine how I feel about this wonderful group of musicians!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thanks so much Tony! Man I have really been enjoying these. Can’t wait for more! 😃👏🫶

[@AFmedic]

I read an article by Leonid where he said that he really enjoyed Chicago's music and because sheet music for their songs were not available he transcribed his own sheet music by listening to the the song (original studio version) section by section over and over again. That is why their covers sound so close to the original.

[@fenderchamp8241]

The drummer has the MOST class. OSU shirt AND hat.

[@geneobrien8270]

Now you should go listen to their rendition of "One Fine Morning" from Canada's LIGHTHOUSE - it's another spot on perfect recording of an all time classicly great song!

[@maryannarep]

I like it when they play Vehicle. Maybe you could analyze that one (if you haven't yet Jeff)!

[@lbbork]

This album, Chicago V, was one of my top 5 also.

[@donnewton415]

After the number of times I've seen this video, I now can't see it without thinking about Andy Warhol playing shaker. Great. Thanks. Almost a continual ear-worm, but not quite. I really enjoy watching you experience these guys for the "first time". Please continue! As others have said, you've got a long way to go with their catalog.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahahaha sorry! 😂🤣😂🫶

[@Diane-b9u]

Boston Bruins t-shirt! Greetings from Maine! You guys absolutely rock!

[@janicemartin2016]

Happy man is so good by L&F

[@lindabergman3127]

It’s awesome 👏👏👏

[@michaelvandiver2475]

Gonna see them in ATL in April! They absolutely cook! Top notch musicians of course...gotta be to play Chicago correctly.

[@THEWEIM]

FANTASTIC

[@chuckrizzio5927]

Jeff, Thanks for what you do! I don't think you did an Analysis/Reaction to the Leonid & Friends version of Saturday In The Park so please do that one. The guitar player on the early L&F videos was Sergey Kashirin (no longer with the band) and he does the lead vocal on Saturday In The Park. He does a great job on the vocals. Chicago provided the soundtrack of my childhood also. I still listen to their music every day. I mostly prefer their early work like this one, Beginnings, Questions 67 & 68, Introduction, etc. Chuck R. in Connecticut

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you so much Chuck! I’m surprised no one has requested that one yet. 😃

[@ponce7516]

Keep up the good work bro dig your style

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you!😊

[@RobertHall-gc5ur]

Love all your reactoins to Leonid and Friends, but I can't believe no one has recommended "Speck of Dust". Dude, you gotta hear this one.

[@kitty123yw]

Yes, the slight Russian accent adds a warm character to it.

[@kathiec1333]

Have you checked out "Beginnings"? Sergey is fantastic.

[@StrateleStudios]

Not yet 😊

[@dennismcpeek9630]

Thank you Joe, Thank you Jeff!! This was an amazing song , and of course was so well done!!

[@demokratikusgravitacio]

Steamy glasses...

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha

[@dartdong]

I've seen Leonid and Friends live 5 times now and even with many personnel changes still sound great. I know you love Chicago but they also did a classic rocker from Deep Purple you need to check out. Leonid and Friends "Stormbringer".

[@kimk.4710]

everything this band does is GOLD, all the songs of my childhood, nothing is changed up it is perfection! Yes Vasilii has a hint of a slight accent you will hear it on Vehicle as well. Serge Tiagniryadno was chosen from a contest conducted by the web manager for Chicago, as his voice was so similar to Peter Cetera. I had the pleasure of seeing them live this past fall, and look forward to them coming to my area again as I will be going again. Keep the LnF reviews coming, I love seeing you smile at how wonderful they are as we reminisce our childhood.

[@christianmaheu9565]

They also have a cover of vehicle from Ides of march

[@mgalego4729]

I simply love "Leonid & Friends". After knowing L&F I started looking for other cover bands and found "Lexington Lab Band". IMO the two best cover bands I know. Both bands do their best to follow the original songs. LLB is more "pop", while L&F is "classic rock". I think you will be amazed for them too.

[@barryanderson3910]

Try Foxes and Fossils, also. I think they're great for what they cover. Their back story is interesting, too.

[@barryanderson3910]

Fidelity, energy, and joy. You've nailed what makes these folks so special. We know they are all technical masters of their craft, but the characteristics you've listed are what keep us (or me, at least) coming back for more. One small comment about this rendition - they added a syllable at the end, which (to me, anyway) subtracts a little from the meaning of the song. Anyone else feel the same?

[@StrateleStudios]

“We can make it hap” I did notice they finished the word “happen”.

[@barryanderson3910]

@@StrateleStudios I always thought that chopped-off syllable signified something terrible interrupting their joyous chant, and eradicating those thoughts and hopes. Use your own imagination as to what that interruption might be. I do think it was intentional.

[@gregberg6288]

Igor is a monster on drums...the human metronome.

[@ricebowl3]

what kind of sorcery is that bass player laying down

[@Earman54music]

I happen to play bass guitar and trumpet. L&F is like heaven to me!!!

[@Earman54music]

I forgot to mention that I have tickets to see them in a small intimate venue in May!!! Can't wait!

[@erik1836]

When you watch when you watch and hear the incredible coordination and orchestration of this piece as well as the others that they deign to take under their wing and bring with the same quality but at the same time an updated cleaner, tighter rendering it just makes you proud to be part of the same human race they belong to! Lol What joy and fun they must all ha have together.

[@Hugger619]

Part i Are you optimistic 'bout the way things are going? No, i never ever think of it at all Don't you ever worry When you see what's going down? No, i try to mind my business, that is, no business at all When it's time to function as a feeling human being Will your bachelor of arts help you get by? I hope to study further, a few more years or so I also hope to keep a steady high Will you try to change things Use the power that you have, the power of a million new ideas? What is this power you speak of and this need for things to change? I always thought that everything was fine Don't you feel repression just closing in around? No, the campus here is very, very free Don't it make you angry the way war is dragging on? Well, i hope the president knows what he's into, i don't know Don't you ever see the starvation in the city where you live All the needless hunger all the needless pain? I haven't been there lately, the country is so fine But my neighbors don't seem hungry 'cause they haven't got the time Thank you for the talk, you know you really eased my mind I was troubled by the shapes of things to come Well, if you had my outlook your feelings would be numb You'd always think that everything was fine Part ii We can make it happen We can change the world now We can save the children We can make it better We can make it happen We can save the children We can make it happen

[@rickstadel5285]

My money is on 'nobody has done these tunes better!' -- glad you approve of their effort.

[@keithdrewv1161]

I absolutely love L&F, but I enjoy your reactions equally as much! Great video as always and I can't wait for your next L&F review!!!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you so much!!! More to come!

[@jimwebster7317]

Always love your reaction. I felt the same way when I discovered them close to 4 years ago. Truly a joy to watch and listen. I've watched them change members thru the years which at first bothered me. However today I love them just as much . Just always keep my beautiful idol Ksenia.

[@gjemd459]

check out Leonid and Friends Brand New Love Affair

[@gjemd459]

Fender Rhodes to die for🙌

[@lainevince]

One thing that makes this poignant is that Serge is Ukrainian and Vasily is Russian. Serge stepped away from LAF in 2021.

[@Tarkus7]

Would love to hear "Street Player" and/or "Introduction" by L&F. Videos are a game changer. They breathe new life into anything they do. Love your reactions. Chicago fan since the 60's.

[@StrateleStudios]

“Street Player” coming very soon!

[@dotlund1096]

Can’t wait!

[@dswil212]

Play question 67 & 68

[@ridgemanron]

Leonid had to scour all of Russia and Ukraine to form his amazing ensemble. that said, isn't it amazing that the group Chicago only had access to musicians/singers in the immediate area where they lived in Chicago and has me wondering how in the world they could have found so many intricate parts needed to form the group from such a limited area?

[@StrateleStudios]

That is such a great point!

[@barryanderson3910]

@ridgemanron: If you haven't yet, read Danny Seraphine's book, "Street Player". Well worth the price of admission. I'm sure you know also, that Seraphine appeared with L&F live at one of their performances.

[@mainmanjimmiblue]

"We can make it HAP." It was fun watching you watch that!

[@randybaker6042]

I think it's one of the great songs to begin with and was excited when they covered it. Blew me away. So good.

[@kathysaylor5676]

when Chicago was singing the end f the song we can make it happen they ran out of tape and just sang we can make it hap. I wonder if Leonid and friends knew that.

[@karelvandervelden8819]

I noticed that too. I dont think the last word was not cut for a reason. It could be that the writer (Robert Lamm) tried to convey his concern about the possibility of his noble stance (no war, less suffering) by NOT giving the song a concluded ending (omitting the last sylable). In other words ; we are not done yet. It seems a never ending work in progress.

[@jimbizness3864]

Just when you think it can't get any better, Leonid pops in close-up shots of Ksenia! Exquisite!

[@roberta.6399]

Outstanding group. Excellent review..Tks

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you kindly!

[@uxb2001]

That band is awesome life.

[@jodieturner6350]

✌❤🎶🎶❤✌ Thanks!!

[@Sixwheelin]

One of my all-time Chicago favs and they nailed it! Thanks for the reaction and I love your channel and I joined your Patreon! Cheers!

[@StrateleStudios]

I saw you joined! Thanks for coming aboard!

[@luciotitolo5869]

I can't wait...

[@dotlund1096]

Me either! 😊

[@Duh6666666]

Part II gets to me every time, so intense!

[@StrateleStudios]

I totally feel the same way. I can’t wait until it gets to Part II every time I hear this song.

[@larrybailey426]

Another request for Leonid & Friends: from 2017: "I'm a Man" ; Igor has a solo. Larry Phoenix, AZ

[@steve-qe1sv]

Been following L &Friends for years. Note for note, tuning of guitars, every beat on percussion spot on, Leonid is a genius.

[@jbach4311]

Jeff, Always love your Uploads! L.&F. the Very Best!!

[@StrateleStudios]

😃🫶🫶🫶

[@thierryjulien572]

They are so good and Léonid was in his long haired period. From a Chicago fan since 1969.

[@StrateleStudios]

I was wondering about the hair hahaha

[@mike4769]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Really good. May I suggest the cover of the second arrangement by steely dan

[@henryp.berthiaume7151]

One of my favorites, 👍

[@doplinger1]

Well done by these guys.

[@michaelbradley7529]

I grew up in this era of music, and I'm a little embarrassed to say I was unfamiliar with this song. I thought I knew all the Chicago songs. Makes me wonder what else I haven't heard from bands I grew up on. In any case, I'm glad my first time hearing it was from Leonid and Friends.

[@roykliffen9674]

In the very beginning Leonid used synthesizers for the strings ( Brand New Love Affair) but for the rest the original instruments; If you hear a Rhodes piano, it's actually a Rhodes piano, not a keyboard plugin. Luckily they don't use the time-appropriate recording technology but state-of-the-art recording equipment with better clarity which make them often sound even better than the original.

[@heavenhelpus479]

Bass player is great, but the lead guitar and drummer are next level. You need to hear their version of "I'm a Man" and Earth Wind and Fire's "September".

[@caprise-music6722]

Leonid is absolutely next level on bass. But not in a shreddy show-offy way.

[@StrateleStudios]

“September” is on my schedule

[@TheoSmith249]

Jeff, all their songs affect me like they do you.... viscerally.

[@chuckschumachersr9394]

Check out Alive Again. This band is just as amazing live,trust me.

[@jwoodard29]

The song's theme about an uneccesary war and concern that the president doesn't know what he's doing was written during the Vietnam era, but could easily apply today to Russia and Russia's president.

[@StrateleStudios]

Great comment thank you

[@ktill1]

I’m not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but Serge, the gentleman singing the Peter Cetera part, is from Kiev, Ukraine. When L&F performed in my hometown in 2019, he was here with them as well as most of the people shown here, and they performed this song live every bit as good as this video. Later, for their first tour in the US without him after the conflict started, their tour theme, displayed prominently at all of their shows, was ‘We Can Make It Happen.’ I was able to see them in 2023 when they came though here again with their newer lineup this time, and they performed this song impeccably again, part of a two-hour show. Talented and courageous, nothing but love from these people. Please check their website for when they come back on tour again - April, I believe.