"Fantasy" (EWF Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@patricktoolsy6207]

Hi, I've been an Earth, Wind & Fire fan from the beginning. I'm 65 now so that gives you an idea I've seen them in concert 9 times. 7 times with the great Maurice White but I have to say this cover version of fantasy is amazing a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire the vocalist just nailed it Philip Bailey should be proud great performance loved it thank you guys for the love of music that you bring

[@archstantonau]

Saw EWF at the Forum in Los Angeles in 1986

[@raylamey1061]

Jeff, here are some of the comments that you wanted me to share with your followers. In late March or early April of 2019, I clicked on their version of 25 or 6 to 4. I was hooked. I reached out through social media to Leonid. We quickly became friends. Gradually, I branched out until I was friends with everyone in the band. The first time I saw the band live was in July of 2019. A bond developed between Leonid and Friends and myself; from fan to friend to family. They are the nicest and most humble group of people you will ever meet. Eventually, I would travel with them on the road along sections of the Midwest and the South. Leonid is an absolute genius. They didn't have charts to play from so Leonid listened to the original recordings and transcribed all the parts by ear. There are people with absolute pitch but Leonid is way beyond that. Leonid also does all the mix-down and mastering of the music. The original "Chicago" band was so impressed that they placed Leonid and Friends version of 25 or 6 to 4 on "their" website. The amount of talent around Moscow is incredible. Leonid was looking worldwide for someone to sing the high tenor parts that Peter Cetera sang. The original Chicago band helped out and found Serge Tiagnyriadno in Kiev, Ukraine. Serge ran Crystal Studios in Kiev and is another genius. He plays multiple instruments besides singing. Enough for now. Enjoy listening to my brothers and my sister. They are all masterclass performers.

[@StrateleStudios]

Thanks for that Ray! 👏👏👏

[@naknaksdadn572]

Ray, i believe you and i chatted at the Dosey Doe, in Texas near the sound engineer as we both recall chatting the year before. Hopefully, y'all will be there again and i will be in my usual table! Regards! Scott!

[@davidbrownstein1464]

Yeah - what Ray said! 😆

[@macedindu829]

Haha, bro, I've done absolutely none of what you did, but I stumbled upon these guys the same way. Every now and then I want to see if there's a good cover of some song I like, and I searched youtube for 25 or 6 to 4. Without a doubt, it was the best cover I've ever seen. Been a huge fan ever since, and I finally got to see them in concert a few months back.

[@RobertClaeson]

I believe I viewed a clip on KZbin where they went through all that, how it started, their aims and such. Especially about the listening to tracks over and over again and painstakingly transcribing each and every instrument (which seems next to impossible to me). Very interesting. Bits were in Russian with English subtitles (thank God). I can't seem to locate the clip anymore though.

[@MichaelBrehmer]

Igor on drums is an absolute monster. People tune metronomes based on his tracks. This is L&F’s best performance so far.

[@skyhawk4946]

Agree on the drummer, outstanding. I think (I've Been) Searchin' So Long is their best cover. All of their covers are excellent.

[@franklobo2579]

And he's a great guy who is just down to earth 😊

[@davidarasin-kg9ho]

Dad drummer outstanding

[@dttprice]

I saw them live last year, and Igor did a long solo while everyone else left the stage, (in the middle of “I’m A Man”, if memory serves). He walked away from his drum set, to the front of the stage, never breaking rhythm, using various objects on the stage as drums. I have never been a fan of drum solos, but he kept me absolutely captivated the entire time. The man is incredible. I have read that he is one of the most in-demand studio drummers in all of Russia, and I believe it!

[@yuk-k3752]

ここまで忠実にEARTHの響きをドラムで打てる！とは、とんでもない感性と技術が無ければ難しい事です。ブラボー！！！

[@j20tower]

What else can you say about the greatest cover band in the world. Close your eyes and all you her is EW &F. They are so talented. The girl is gorgeous and sings like an angel. The instrumentals are fabulous. Thx for playing it.

[@johncourtright1632]

What do you get when you cover a 1977 hit song by Earth, Wind & Fire, where the music is perfectly transcribed, every instrument is played by an expert studio musician, every vocal is sung by skilled professional singers, and every note is recorded using 2023 recording equipment and perfectly mixed by skilled sound engineers? You have "Fantasy" by Leonid & Friends.

[@mathpooter]

I think my favorite song from high school. L&F version takes me back, and is so crisp in its reproduction.

[@Colletepaula]

I guess so...!

[@lenripley3]

❤I’ve played horns my entire life and I must tell you, they are unbelievable in person. My wife looked at me when we saw them in Charleston SC and asked me why I was crying. I answered, “Are you kidding me? The music I love the most being played by the music gods!” Studio or live, they are phenomenal.

[@rickstadel5285]

! ! !

[@lenjohnson2266]

Will be in Charleston on May 8th to see them exactly one year to the day from seeing them in Augusta last year. Phenomenal is the best description to use in explaining Leonid and Friends. He is an absolute genius! I'm sure you've heard their cover of the Canadian group Lighthouses "One Fine Morning", if not; it'll blow your socks off as well. Enjoy!

[@lindabergman3127]

Agreed100

[@lizard944]

I played trumpet in several Disco bands and covered EW&F, Michael Jackson, and others in the late 70's. Going to their concert in Cleveland shortly. Taking a box of Kleenex just in case...LOL

[@darinlowder1282]

Thank you, that too was my reaction sitting here listening!

[@paisan1194]

Saw them in Detroit on 9/21. Danil Buranov hit all the Phillip Bailey notes - outstanding!

[@naknaksdadn572]

i am a trumpet player for over 57 years and i am left speechless!

[@Wizardofgosz]

EVERY Leonid cover is going to be exceptional. This isn't a surprise anymore.

[@rickstadel5285]

Yup . . not a surprise . . but no less exceptional ! !

[@DavidMillsSeven]

One of my all time favorite songs played to absolute perfection.

[@RichardFortin77]

I Have the SAME REACTION as YOU . . . EVERY TIME I listen to this Performance ! ! !❤

[@franklobo2579]

Some members of EWF actually saw them in concert this past year and what a treat it was for both. 😊

[@georgianalabella7852]

There are No Words to Say How Great this Band is. 😊😮❤. Pete sr Siny

[@sippingandsketching2157]

This is the first song that I bumped into from these guys, then I became obsessed. Saw them in concert and they did not disappoint. Best cover band ever!

[@GabrielMario63]

Do I need to remind that this guys are RUSSIAN??? I mean, they are not even english native speakers ... Vocals are always such an incredible thing, with all the flavor, the articulation, the right pronunciation... Pure magic... And Leonid... Oh, man... He translate each partiture for each instrument, I can't barely image how hardly precise ears do you need to have this level of accuracy rewriting those songs... They are just amazing in every single way... And last but not least... Do you have the count of people there? I mean, in every song... They are up to twenty talented musicians... That's something imposible to achieve today in terms of the current comercial music... This is a trully "tour de force"! BTW, your channel is amazing! Thank you for everything!

[@StrateleStudios]

😃👏👏👏🫶

[@mikecrean8849]

So glad you found this orchestra. They’re sensational. Check out some of their other materials. September is fantastic. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🇬🇧

[@zainalabidinramli762]

I am Emotionally driven, cant hold back the tears watching this nostalgic spectra of awesomeness, pushing me back to the era where there was more space and time to breathe. Thank you.

[@StrateleStudios]

👏👏👏🥹🫶

[@paulatristan8189]

Wow Danil handled "fantasy" very well ❣️hes so cute !! An awesome singer as well👍🏽😃🎉

[@donaldpruitt6787]

Doing much justice to a masterpiece of music absolute PERFECTION 👍👍👍👍👍♥️💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@maxxmasson4263]

That's incredible ,can't believe these people are so good

[@wa1zlv]

Add to the amazement, Leonid does all the arrangements. So he has to break down the original pieces and score them. This band is just hands down amazing!!

[@rickstadel5285]

Leonid is a Master of Masters -- there is no other explanation . .

[@steveelson2999]

We just seen them near cleveland on Sunday, OMG OMG. They are absolutely awesome. Russia has great people!!

[@luisrebolledo8123]

Otra gran melodía que no me cansa oírla una y otra vez. Esta interpretation de la banda Leonid y sus Amigos tiene todo el sabor "funky" de la era disco (mediados y finales de los 70). Excelente interpretación, muchos recuerdos vienen a mi mente. Cada cover es tan impresionante que a veces me olvido de que son de origen ruso y que el idioma inglés no es su idioma materno, pero cantan y tocan como los dioses.

[@hoosierdaddy5050]

so exceptional -fantastic! absolutely tremendous!

[@susanfowler4228]

Simply insane.

[@gregsteele806]

"Oh, the vocals" Dude, just wait another minute. :)

[@catherinescanlon8846]

I love how Danil's lead vocals are always spot on and his range, with Ksenia's back-ups.

[@bobernst6693]

I agree with you. This cover is so good it energizes the entire atmosphere!

[@StormSpotterAmbientWx]

STUNNING! A complete master piece. I know this song so well and to hear THIS! Nailed it, nail it! Bailey's voice, the horns, the bass....and don't forget the mix!!! Just a magic moment and travel back to my youth. 10+ due to the modern day quality of the recording. Where's the kleenex?

[@billdCT97]

They do a great rendition of Steely Dan's My Old School

[@jbach4311]

That's with the Rox brothers

[@billdCT97]

Yes @@jbach4311

[@StrateleStudios]

Coming soon!

[@dotlund1096]

@@StrateleStudioscan’t wait!!

[@phildupuis1084]

That was almost too good to be true. Loved it. That chorus has to be one of the best ear worm choruses ever.

[@tonydisibio4236]

I Really Love all these covers, They are spot on, its such a Pleasure, Makes me cry with JOY at how Accurate it all is, Fantastic. thankyou Lord for Them.

[@lvthtxusa]

An awesome cover. I was 25 when this powerful cut surfaced and soared❤

[@rikardo1070]

best EVER !

[@jamesleasure8836]

Perfection! What a joyous song. Their attention to detail is outstanding.

[@ratner111]

My favorite EWF song. Great cover

[@jeffjohnson3260]

We saw them in Key West in April, their first US performance this year. Amazing group of people.

[@richard1472]

I just finished listening to these guys not more than an hour ago. So I'm glad this post of yours was only a few days ago. Leonid and Friends are nothing short of brilliant. Now, check out The Analogues. Of course, that's just a suggestion. Enjoy!

[@michaelrp88]

Tears to my eyes and tingle in my toes. So well done, can't say enough but every piece is perfect.

[@aandpman]

Dude I got to see them kive in Texas in October. It was stellar!

[@peteabrh-fairest9463]

Leonid is the bass player in the band. He's 72 years old and transcribes all of the music from the original score. He writes each individual sheet of music for every musician in the band, produces each video, and manages the whole production process. I absolutely love your channel, and I'm so glad I came across you here on KZbin. The horn section is as tight as any I have ever heard, and the vocalists are absolutely phenomenal. The percussion! Wow... The strings, bass, guitar! What can I say? Keep putting this incredible music out there, my friend. Their Earth, Wind, and Fire covers are absolutely amazing; they were and still are my favorite band of all time with the genius of Maurice White. Have an awesome rest of your day. 🙏 Subscribed. 🙌

[@gregberg6288]

Just had the pleasure of seeing Leonid and Friends in Beverly Hills this November. They are just so good to see live. I wish they had the resources to travel with strings but what I heard in November was just amazing.

[@keithdrewv1161]

Love watching your reviews of Leonoid & Friends, the musicianship of these talented people is such a treat to watch and makes it easy to enjoy almost as if hearing these songs for the first time! Please keep the reviews of this amazing band and their covers rolling, I can't get enough!

[@StrateleStudios]

More to come!!!

[@cristobalnunezproducciones]

Demasiado bueno, esta versión fiel a su original. Felicitaciones por esta versión fantástica.

[@charlesshepherd9822]

"MAN", I can't believe this!!! This is the greatest of all time ❤

[@firstlast_]

When we 'wowed' at a cover and listening to it again and again as if we love it more than its original,...(you know what it means!) Love these talented people❤

[@paulf4650]

They also perform a superb cover of September!

[@kevint9702]

I absolutely love this group. They have so much fun. I was in some decent bands but nothing this exciting.

[@erik1836]

Philip Bailey was always a standout in the group - that falsetto - that wonderful soaring, uplifting, carries you away to places you've never been before - may not go again - voice of his! Oh my goodness - Wow - and that goes as well for the singer here singing his part - as well as the "backing vocals" and the whole shebang that comprises this wonderful band! Makes ME proud to be a part of the same group - known as the human race - that they all belong to!

[@davidketels3717]

OMG! That was extreme perfection. I have teared up it was THAT good. Amazing.

[@ROBERTOLOZADA7]

With LEONID & FRIENDS good music will never die. Greetings from Lima, Peru

[@salvadorvenegas-escobar1388]

This is such an amazing band. Their performance does not detract from the original in any way. Hats off!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Unreal and delicious..God I love this band!

[@josee.torres764]

The harmony of voices drive me nuts!!! Simply Awesome❤

[@Trapper50cal]

Love seeing you slide irrevocably down the L & Fs Rabbit Hole. Obviously their proficiency is self evident, but imagine how much love it takes to so faithfully cover these songs, especially when English is NOT their primary language. And the guys in the booth? God-Tier engineering.

[@rickstadel5285]

Loved 'God Tier' engineering -- and way true !

[@craigpatrickpereira1860]

They are fabulous, equally goog as ❤Earth Wind and Fire

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. A feel-good classic and a brilliant performance.

[@franklobo2579]

You need to see them in person

[@deeglencairn2598]

their attention to detail is second to none a beautiful yet funky rendition of an EWF classic 👌

[@469buck]

These musicians are at the top of their games. Truly great. All of them!

[@TheBicycleGuy]

Jeff, one of Leonid and friends vocalists has yet to get any love from you. Please take a moment to review One Fine Morning (Lighthouse cover) and the awesome vocal performance by Vasily. And, you'll love Leonid's bass lines. It's just so good.

[@Richard_jones981]

I agree His vocals would make Bob McBride proud

[@dotlund1096]

Best band everrrr! For me through covid and they’re excellent in concert! Go see them.👍

[@doplinger1]

Excellent - can’t wait for you to get to their covers of “I’m a Man” and “Vehicle”!

[@TheoSmith249]

'Vehicle' is exceptionally well done. Lead even wears Jim Peterik's cowboy boots. No detail missed.

[@kattskit11]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 perfect 🎶👌 what a joy !!! I does a journey back in time every time i 👂. What voices!!! Danil and Ksenia!!!......it's really a materpiece! Thank U Leonid ❤

[@dennismcpeek9630]

Every song they play is spot on! Unbelievable talent for us to see and hear!!

[@jamich1]

I love this group and love the way you happy to hear the masters musician’s. Thanks

[@sdanjohn]

I enjoyed the original cover but watching your reaction makes me even smile more listening to this. Love these kinds of reactions.

[@StrateleStudios]

Wow, thank you!

[@MarcosLerner]

I'm a fan of EWF and Chicago; I'm amazed by the similarity and quality of this band's work. You have listen the version of 'Street Player' featuring Arturo Sandoval The Killer 😁on his trumpet solo - I can't stop listening to it

[@anthonygamble-xe4dl]

Sooooooo good!! Spot on 🤘🤘

[@philippepiveron4937]

Jeff: you should also listen to "Speck of dust" which is in some way an original creation by Leonid and friends. I would be very surprised if you didn't like it a lot! In addition, it is a musical (master)piece whose main vocalist is none other than... Ksenia! So why deny yourself this double pleasure? :-)

[@TheoSmith249]

This indeed an exceptional piece.

[@RobertClaeson]

Yes yes, please. I've suggested Speck of Dust before.

[@rickstadel5285]

Yes, definitely -- 'Speck of Dust' is quite exceptional.

[@brianwest4335]

What's great everyone of the background singers are very talented and have their own feature songs with the group

[@caprise-music6722]

Right!?? That makes it even better. It’s like having super star backup singers. (Even tho any backup singers certainly are stars in their own right) but what a vocal line up!

[@peterg219]

Choice band, top shelf, equal to the original, love seeing the live action/ video montage/ the close-ups/ expressions of joy. Congrats to all musicians involved. Leonard is genius, the boss... thanks Jeff. Cheers from Sydney AU.

[@StrateleStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Peter!

[@anielgluz]

The lead vocal is out of this world with the falsettoooo!!!

[@raymondgutierrez4143]

Simply "Amazing"!! I can't wrap my head around the talent level of this band. They are all masterful at their crafts. Beautifully done!

[@Nancyshank]

Outstanding as usual. Ksenia is absolutely gorgeous!

[@caprise-music6722]

Too good!! Holy cow! What a song! What a rendition! Absolutely sensational!

[@Allright21]

One of my favorite bands! Tribute or not! ❤️

[@Arlene_G]

GREAT cover!! Nxt best to EWF... you picked up on not climbing the vocal ladder at an expected part, but he doubled up on the next climb. This band is awesome!! See ya on the flipside!! Your enthusiasm is a joy to see!! PEACE!

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes! 👏👏👏

[@Shinkikempo]

L&F really deserve to play along with the originals ! Hope one day to see them on stage with EWF 😍🎹🎶

[@lidiavivar7643]

Omg .I am so impressed!!!! They are phenomenal! Absolutely magnificent

[@gilpalomo9202]

Just saw them in san antonio last night 10 16 24. One of the best shows. Full of energy. Amazed by the vocals and the exact way the songs 🎵 sound. Loved it❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jonisoma5726]

Stratele studio….your reactions and words are priceless.

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you my friend! 😊😊😊🫶

[@rosebarrett1259]

Bravo bravo bravo, I love it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@brianwest4335]

Have to listen to a interview of Lerniod trying to get Amp and electronics for instruments so he and his friends could cover American rock songs under the Soviets the man is just so talented force

[@samafiq]

Wow ..great cover

[@morrisfoster5106]

❤Love this Band first time I Heard them so uplifting 🙏💓🙏The whole Band is Amazing

[@iceray21]

You got to hear Steely Dan, My Old School cover. They can do anything. Saw them live...amazing.

[@StrateleStudios]

Coming soon! 👏👏👏

[@paulhuneryager4538]

Absolutely Stunning!!

[@victorsixtythree]

Amazing! And their cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "In The Stone" is equally "just too good"!

[@barryanderson3910]

I can't choose between the two. They're both incredible.

[@nabonidesfreitez746]

Excelente, maravilloso, mejor imposible.

[@jimwilliams4599]

An awesome band of musicians!💥👍

[@ridgemanron]

In addition to 'Earth, Wind & Fire' they remind me so much of 'The Fifth Dimension' with this all encompassing sound of vocals.

[@MrJohnw2454]

Thank you for your on spot, professional manner. I love your approach to music reactions. This group is great and yes, we saw them in Texas this year!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you my friend! 😊😊😊

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

hearing this gives me a new appreciation for the creators, Earth, Wind, and Fire

[@michaelbradley7529]

Ridiculously good! Absolutely nailed the groove.

[@samhaskins2506]

Incredible, no one put a note wrong anywhere! LOVE these guys!!! I bet they're all having so much fun!

[@rickderby8438]

Jeff, it IS TOO F_ING GOOD. I watch your channel because I enjoy your reactions while I enjoy the song. For this one....I didn't look at your reaction once. It is exhilerating! I do appreciate your commentary after as I am not a musical person, and I am learning from you. Thanks.

[@StrateleStudios]

Hahaha that’s a good sign of a killer video!

[@rickderby8438]

@@StrateleStudios Jeff, THANK YOU for doing what you do. I will listen to ANYTHING you are listening to. It's WAY beyond the musical talent or quality, you find the songs with humanity. Nutrition. I just listen to these guys and I'm ready to confront the world! By the way, I am DEFINATELY going to catch one of the upcoming shows of Leonid and Friends on the East Coast in a month or so. I"m taking my daughter too. I owe you so much! Thanks for being you.

[@bobseigel4954]

I’ve seen them in concert. They are incredible. Very humble audience friendly, and put on quite a show. If you ever have the opportunity to see them, I would encourage you to go so and if you can honestly tell me that they’re not one of the most five best groups you’ve ever experienced and enjoyed. I give you my word. I will give you your money back that’s how confident I am. I have nothing to do with this group by the way just enjoy their music, PS I have messaged with them before and they have messaged back. Incredible. Incredible people.

[@kevinwilliams4137]

I saw EWF many times growing up and all i can say is Bravo Bravo Bravo well done.

[@TimsInsanity]

This music is complicated & they nail it every time. Well done.