"So Very Hard to Go" (TOP Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

"So Very Hard to Go" (TOP Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
Original Video: • So Very Hard to Go - L...
Artist's Channel: / @leonidvorobyevandfriends
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This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.
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[@user-cd7ds7cs3z]

I have a lump in my throat listening to Leonid and Friends nail this Tower of Power song. When I see how the strings, horn section keyboard and back up singers perform with such joy, it makes me emotional. The young lead singer gets it. He has so much soul in his voice. This performance is such a tribute to the original.

Funny how these songs can make a lot of us emotional. I'm the same way. Just amazing hearing these songs redone.

[@robbiemoore2875]

Brings tears of Joy!

[@ptr969]

Good afternoon my Friend! You've already become addicted like Us! 😊

[@osimnod]

Welcome to the Leonid and Friends fan club! Every song they cover is a masterpiece. Now, imagine an American group covering a foreign band impeccably, not just with the musical notes but the pronunciation and vibe.

[@janicemartin7560]

You are so right. L & F are incredibe

[@vegaswillie]

Well said and accurate

[@sandw84]

Perfection 🎉❤

[@19brittani]

i believe LENNY WILLIAMS would be proud of that vocal . wow! excellent! SALUTE.

[@thewey]

Leonid and Friends do AMAZING cover songs. Watch their entire collection and you will realize that L&F IS THE BEST Cover Band in the World.

[@howardclegg6497]

Micheal just knocks this one out of the park.

[@vegaswillie]

About one minute in, chills hit my arms and legs and remained until the song ended. Blown away by this group once again. Jeff, you rock my friend. Thank You.

[@StrateleStudios]

🫶🫶🫶

[@Trapper50cal]

Each and every time you look at the face of anyone in the strings session, you will see the biggest smile that face has ever produced...they are having a blast!

[@chrisdugan5551]

@@Trapper50cal and they're thinking "Vee were raised on Shastakovich and Rimsky korsakov bot dece Tower Of Power eez very nice too! Much fun !"

[@Kimo2Time]

And every one of them is Russian speaking as their first language and speak little english. Stunning.

[@patrickrussell1888]

There is also Ukrainian talent

[@jimbizness3864]

@@patrickrussell1888 Serge left the band after Russia invaded Ukraine. He's stuck in Kiev.

[@nancy9478]

Ksenia speaks 4 languages, english being one of them.

[@justabeachbum4456]

This is simply stunning. This group is out of this wold fantastic

[@mikelevand8272]

Given the stunning performance of Leonid and Friends, it is easy to overlook one of the most beautiful sights in the video. Pay close attention to one of the lady violin players. She has a break from playing during the song..........she has her headphones on, and is just GROOVIN to the song as she listens to it being played, just like millions of others have over the 55 years they have been together. That is just Wonderful!

[@williamhowells1615]

One of the things I love about these guys is that they all seem to be having such a great time doing what they're doing. Joyful to watch.

[@wilcomaurik1572]

I've noticed this too....! Lovely 💕💕to see how much she is enjoying this spot on musical performance. And she's part of it ;-)

[@markfarley671]

Spot on the original. I would have given anything to hear this performance live in that studio.

[@mikesed860]

I have had the good fortune of seeing TOP and Chicago and EWF live, and by far their is no one that even comes close as this group when covering these groups. They are even better in some instances than the originals.

[@nativedan]

Same here. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA. Only a few blocks away from the Wiltern theater where I saw Tower of Power years ago. And earth, wind and fire in their heyday at the forum just a few miles farther. These guys and Ksenia are outstanding musicians!

[@tombova1996]

Saw them last year (2023) April 20 at the Plaza Live in Orlando. After being addicted to their KZbin videos, I was blown away by their live performance. In addition, they are very entertaining, especially the sax player! I have front row seats for this years' tour, April 17, in the Savannah Center, in The Villages, Florida. Tommy B

[@eliasmadrid5075]

Stop the B/S this band doesn't come close to TOP first off the lead singer voice is weak the horn section is fair the only reason that your white man rating a white singer.

[@dotlund1096]

I’m not sure if you ever come back and read old comments....8 months ago, already, that you first starting hearing L & F. Now you’ve got almost all of their music under your belt. So grateful for this band and for your reviews. I come here often to re-listen to it all. 👍

[@StrateleStudios]

@@dotlund1096 🫶🫶🫶

[@bryangriffin3139]

Brother, this band is so awesome. That’s one of my favorite songs and I saw it on KZbin and I was standing at this TV just so happy watching this and listening to it. They’re perfect and every way it’s unbelievable. They’re so good brings out so many awesome emotions in myself, after all this song came out the year I was born 72

[@reidferguson3386]

I've had the joy of catching them live twice now, and what is amazing is how they reproduce this studio sound live. And an old musician myself, I'm with ya, they just blow it out of the water.

[@user-ew2yy6dt3b]

They are the best cover band out there, Leonid is a genius, in how he transcribes music, not easy to do.

[@Eloso3135]

Leonid and friends can do it all

[@benjiejoshua5506]

Not surprising from Leonid and Friends. They are masters...so well done!!

[@jimwilliams4599]

Michael's voice is awesome!! the orchestra...the horns..guitars...drums....Ksenia and her backup group....😀💕💥👍

[@mikefendel]

I listened to Tower of Power back in college in the 70's. Big fan of Leonid and Friends and when I heard this....wow. I relisten to this cut over and over, frequently. Fantastic in every way!~

[@TNKHART]

Love these guys!! We saw them for the first time last month. They were fantastic. This guys singing lead has just an incredible voice that filled the room. Thanks for sharing and appreciate the video. Respects.

[@garybloss6506]

BEST BAND IN THE LAND !

[@vegaswillie]

Jeff, how many different songs can one band cover and leave me speechlees and wondering if i was dreaming.. That song has been one of my top 5 favorites from the first time i heard it back in the 70's. What a brillant version this is. This man's voice is so unique. I never thought anyone would sing this as good as Lenny Williams until now. Everyone is this group pays attention to detail down the the smallest adlib and I think that is a huge part of what separates this band from the others.

[@idolivercampos]

From Russia with Love ❤😂

[@santiagososa4980]

Esta verción es mejor que la original, lejos. Exelentes musicos y cantantes. Salu2 dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@AssetInvesting]

My, my, my oh my!!!!!

[@Biker1964]

Better than the original!

[@gilbertcandelaria5456]

Yea...this group has no boundaries...they are super good. Everything they play is a masterpiece...they do Chicago,E.W.& Fire and many more...I love this group.

[@turkfiles]

Just saw Leonid & Friends here in Southern California last night, 11/12/23, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. My wife is a professional musician, and she was blown away by the musicianship and perfection of their performance of every song!

[@robprussock8697]

Check out the violinist on the right. You can tell she really fell in love with this beautiful song! Leonid and Friends always nails it!!!!

[@dotlund1096]

I’m enjoying watching this man as he watches all the songs so many of us love from Leonid and Friends. You, kind sir, will get a ton of folks following you. 👍

[@jeffzatezalo8617]

Oakland soul music from Moscow! Wow! Spot on!

[@sdanjohn]

This is one of my favorite songs and this is so spot on. Basically everything they do is this good regardless of who they are doing. They started as a Chicago tribute and branched out. Their Earth Wind and Fire stuff is excellent as well. I’ve also seen them live.

[@469buck]

Puntov nails the vocals. Hell...they ALL nail everything! Great reaction, sir. Spot on.

[@donzollars8187]

Leonid is amazing! Self taught, does all the composing/scoring from ear!!!

[@davidlevine1697]

tyvm for checking this one out as its one of my favorites. the look on your face when Michael starts singing says it all Michael's voice lights up the room for me. needless to say, live, this song is a real treat. there should be a link to their video in the music dictionary next to "in the pocket". ☮❤🙏

[@poppab389]

As you said in another review, the changes in technology makes most of Leonid and Friends covers better than the original. Michael Puntov, the lead vocal won a vocal competition when he was about 9, so he's a very talented artist. The way Leonid deconstructs and reorchestrates a song that he hears is simply genius.

[@markbowles5205]

I would love to hear your analysis of their version of Chicago’ “ Beginning’s, the vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, drums, man !!!💯

[@georgec2069]

Leonid takes each song and listens and picks them apart for each musician which is amazing the attention to detail and ear for each tone. As you said amazing.

[@justabeachbum4456]

That baritone sax just takes me over the edge every time he plays it 🎉❤

[@glg6069]

They're one of the best--if not the best cover bands ever! They work so hard to honor the bands they cover, and in some cases, I think they sound better than some of the originals because they take such care. They're just phenomenal artists. I imagine it would really an honor to have Leonid and friends cover your songs.

[@rickstadel5285]

So, seriously, how f-ing remarkable ARE these folks ! ?

[@jimdoucette]

Just saw them live in Charleston, SC 5/8/2024. Amazing show. Great live. I encourage everyone to go see them if you get a chance.

[@toddhicks6388]

I was there with you Jim… mind blowing concert in person… they were and are the best musicians I’ve ever listened to. Shear musical brilliance and precision beyond anything else out there. I’m so in love with this group and every song they’ve sung.

[@rayanderson7074]

Another Masterpiece done Masterful…..

[@lorageizha2186]

Просто блеск!!!!👏👏👏👏👏💐

[@thunderbolts2438]

It was just perfect... so glad they performed this.

[@rosangelarangelvieira8894]

Ele canta tão lindo com emoção q eu sinto a musica e lindo❤

[@TheCybertiger9]

Love the baritone sax, really completes the song

[@tomc7598]

Another awesome performance by L & F is Chicago's Street Player.....Incredible!!!!

[@TheoSmith249]

one of my favourites too. Arturo is amazing on it

[@dannarasmussen5456]

when you want to cut a master , these are the guys you want in the studio doing it.

[@robertroth1042]

Can’t wait going to see them in Austin in October 2024 seen them two years ago in Sellersville PA

[@JimmyMitchell-Lucky]

How can you say more than WOW!! Incredibly WOW!!!

[@beaufitz8993]

So nice to hear from a music professionals critique of this band!! They truly, are so great!

[@michaelbradley7529]

There covers of "Chicago" and "Earth, Wind, and Fire" are legendary. I would love to see you do a whole series on these guys.

[@bryangriffin3139]

Brother, they’re so accurate. It’s insane everything every instruments perfect perfectly timed. It’s just beautiful. It’s overwhelming. It’s so good.

[@howie8850]

Tower of Power,Lighthouse,Chicago,EW&F,Blood, Sweat & Tears-these guys are amazing!

[@sheepdog457]

The showmanship, in addition to the musicianship, is nothing short of amazing when seeing these wonderful artists live. You owe it to yourself to go see them when they come to your area.

[@JorgeGarcia-cg4qd]

TEN STARS

[@WhisperJetAmerica]

Music is the great equalizer.

[@anitacalloway3032]

You should listen to their Chicago covers like “25 or 6 to 4” or their Earth, Wind and Fire covers like “After the Love Has Gone”. Stupendous!

[@GdeMarco787]

LOL! Listen to that Baritone Sax! Fabulous!

[@robertroth1042]

I seen this group 2 years ago, and it was probably one of the best band’s I’ve seen in a long time . Sellersville PA can’t wait to see them again ! Outstanding group 👍

[@grahamthompson2594]

I saw those years of joy.

[@troysterling1382]

Was born in Oakland in 1970 and grew up listening to this iconic Soul/ Funk band and Might I say you guys captured the essence of this band and your cover was spot on! You’re an amazing band also!

[@cm9859]

I have always loved Tower of Power, my two favorite songs "You're Still A Young Man" and "So.Very Hard To Go". I just found your channel and hearing this amazing cover group. I have been listening to their cover non stop for two full days and cannot get enough of their cover "So Very Hard To Go". It is outstanding..I sent this video to my siblings. This gorgeous lead singer and his powerful voice, the backup vocals so smooth, the drums, horn section, string instruments, piano. It is fascinating to hear all these great musicians come together, I listened to them and Tower of Power. I almost think they did an equal or superior version, hard to tell apart. They absolutely nailed it! Brings so much feeling and emotions to hear them and watch these musicians. Especially lead singer, horn players and violinists but also that drummer, bongo player. All great ❤

[@tedd8055]

Incredible!!

[@jimwebster7317]

By far one of greatest performances by Leonid and friends. Spine tingling. There is a god, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. So perfect. Thank you tower of power and Leonid and friends. As you said so syrup. Can't get any better!!! Thank you so much. Love your reaction. You are great as well. Made my day....

[@naknaksdadn572]

i have been very fortunate to have seen, heard and meet these very gregarious, talented artists twice! Every single one of them are so delightful to engage with. Sure there is a language barrier since most of them do not speak English fluently but the embraces, the hand shakes, the smiles? It's all there! They are selling out all of the venues they play at. If y'all want to see them? Y'all got to buy those tickets way in advance! Y'all won't be disappointed! ~Nak~

[@crashkratics]

Epic!! Their covers are over the top. Love their covers of Earth, Wind and Fire. Also love the covers of Chicago. My favorite has to be Chicago's " Searching So Long." This cover of Tower Of Power is right on as usual.

[@JT-wn7wb]

The Superstar cover by this band just opened a new world of an amazing band. Thank you so much for sharing!! I just listen to Chicago cover and I was floored by these musicians. Thank you !!

[@danborowicz758]

Love being able to enjoy this wonderful music with someone!

[@dirceujs]

Muita Lindoooooooooo😍🤩

[@triciadomayer6760]

My two favorite Chicago covers are Hanky Panky/Life Saver and Mononucleosis. Leonid's cover of Mono just makes me happy.

[@rosangelarangelvieira8894]

Grupo maravilhoso os músicos td perfeito

[@bryangriffin3139]

This is my favorite song to play the drum too. It always has been. There’s so much emotion so much feeling I am amazed at this band and bro they do so many awesome covers. It’s ridiculous. I would pay to see them if they were in California.

[@andrewmc8314]

Fantastic, just heard about this band Tower of Power, what a cover, never seen anything like this in my life.

[@sandyshore2712]

TOP is the epitome of live performance. They've been doin' it right for EVER. L&F respects TOP with their cover. Love 'em both!

[@danpelka9847]

Some great picks for your next L&F songs: Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4, Blood Sweat & Tears: Spinning Wheel, Earth Wind & Fire: September

[@AssetInvesting]

It's the first time I saw you dance in your chair.

[@StrateleStudios]

😆 that’s a fact!

[@alwill1528]

Absolutely love your channel!! Spot on reactions!!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you my friend! 😊🫶

[@MarkSmith-wg8oy]

Very refreshing

[@philippepiveron4937]

Like you, I love Voces8 and... Leonid and friends! It was therefore normal that through the magic of algorithms I ended up discovering your channel! So I am a “new kid” here, very happy with this wonderful meeting. Thank you Jeff for sharing your musical favorites with this great and admirable sensitivity of yours! Kind regards from France.

[@StrateleStudios]

Welcome my friend! 😃

[@KuyaAccordionista]

I'm a San Francisco boy who grew up listening to Tower of Power in the 70s and this was AWESOME! It brought back fond memories of slow dancing to this song at junior high dances. I love the homage to the TOP horns as Leonid's horn section are doing the same choreography that the TOP horns do at their live shows. Emilio and the rest of Tower of Power would be proud.

[@helgar791]

You should hear these guys do Earth Wind and Fire. Note perfect and yet exciting and fresh.

[@jeffhartman7000]

I was just about to post the same.

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

These guys are so freekin good Dont know why I tear up listening to it. Its so spot on. I love TOP, but these guys IMHO, take what TOP does and somehow improves on it. They are simply amazing

[@StrateleStudios]

They are!

[@richr.7698]

My reaction to this video was very similar to yours the first time I seen it. Thank you for the upload.

[@johncourtright1632]

Wait 'til you hear their cover of Steely Dan's "My Old School"! They are just mind-blowing! Also, EW&F's "In the Stone". Every cover is a masterpiece!

[@StrateleStudios]

Can’t wait to see those too! 👏👏👏

[@Diegocurt73]

Holy Moly! Got chills listening to this!

[@fredacevedo2871]

These guys are better than the ordinal artists.

[@wilburhornshnoggle2619]

Leonid assembled far and away the best cover band of all time.. I had the same ear to ear grin you did, start to finish.. Then when you find out for most of them, English is a 2nd language.

[@mrbill8542]

EVERYTHING L&F covers is as good and better than the original==EVERYTHING !!!

[@drillmasterpete]

Amazing Leonid wrote the first songs by ear ,with out being able to get or find sheet music for tunes ....writes are exactly to the T for each instrument and piece.. see them Live they are just as acoustically Great .

[@waynecox8127]

top notch!

[@fetteente6263]

so geil

[@Noeau]

Wait until you hear the EWF covers!

[@SandraGarcia-nf8js]

Leonid & friends lo mejor en cover tengo poco de conocer esta agrupacion excelentes musicos, cantantes. ,👍👍👍👍🇩🇴

[@JDLYBRAND]

You ought to see them live. Phenomenal band!

[@timmiszkowski9222]

Awesome version. Perfect

[@unclesaltytoldme]

Great review!

[@StrateleStudios]

@@unclesaltytoldme thank you my friend! 😃🫶

[@rodneycluff1348]

So very well done