"If You Leave Me Now" (Chicago Cover) by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@Tarkus7]

The replication of this was otherworldly. I just got lost in it. The days of Sergei and Serge remain unparalleled.

[@ALousyGolfer1]

Agreed! Serge channels his inner Peter Cetera and Sergei is excellent.

[@richnittritz3505]

so so correct just a shell of their former self without Sergei and Serge goddam stupid war and Putin

[@glennmitchell9107]

The happiest band on KZbin.

[@timcrowley38]

The French Horn was excellent.

[@billbreivogel5816]

I love how the string players are smiling☺️

[@lionheartroar3104]

The lead singer (Sergei) moved from Ukraine to Poland. Please pray for their continued safety and his return to the band one day.

[@Colletepaula]

For sure.

[@patbrewer4205]

These folks make me cry bringing back memories from 50 yrs ago

[@mgalego4729]

This was the very first L&F video I watched... And I had tears in my eyes. That's when I definitely fell in love for this band...

[@naknaksdadn572]

Serge and Sergey are forever in our minds!

[@IN2BEATS1]

And hearts!

[@janicemartin7560]

And our hearts

[@caryriggs5719]

Stupid war. I do hope they are safe.

[@brentgindelberger8851]

@@caryriggs5719 Sergey (guitar) left voluntarily, because of his young family.

[@richnittritz3505]

god bless Serge AND Sergei hope they get to reunite one day after this stupid war

[@stevetsuda7474]

Every part for every instrument is just impeccable including the vocals! ❤

[@wheater5]

I can only think of one word: IMPECCABLE!

[@carlsalazar4490]

Just saw Leonid and Friends at the Crest Theater in Sacramento and had the time of my life. Nothing beats the experience of live music.

[@scottyahney8565]

THE BRILLIANCE OF "CHICAGO"-------------THE GENIUS OF LEONID !!!!!!!!

[@davidlevine1697]

this video includes some band members who have since moved on to other projects, but the band is still as solid as ever as Leonid makes sure that whoever joins, is as good as who they are replacing. i saw them last night in NYC for the 3rd time and the show was phenomenal. not a large venue, but a wine bar/supper club with entertainment. being right up front, sitting in front of the horn section, was a joy. i took my older brother for his 75th HBD to see them as he is a big fan of all the bands they cover. his first comment after the show was that he was overwhelmed by how much fun the band seemed to be having and how much they love each other and the audience. he said it was as if they were doing it all for the first time and that it wasn't a perfunctory show put on by people who had touring burn out. i agree. IMO, they do not take this experience for granted. i'm going to see them again this evening. the first 2 shows sold out and the band's and the venue's schedules allowed for an additional performance. tonight i will be sitting in front of the rhythm section and vocalists. its going to be fun. as always, thanks for posting and especially for giving them the exposure they deserve. ☮❤🙏

[@charlesh946]

10 yrs old. This song was played on the radio every morning before school on am radio. Woke us up for school. lol Leonid and Friends are 🔥!

[@somersetcace1]

By far the best cover of this song `I've` ever heard. Not that it gets covered much anyway, but that was spot on. Even the vocalist. If I heard that version on the radio, I'd swear it was Chicago.

[@pedrodeazevedoconceicaonet2969]

Leonid & Friends bring us happyness

[@davidlevine1697]

truth! 😎

[@shantiharris2996]

The best part is seeing the pure joy of the string section playing, they were in heaven

[@Trapper50cal]

Oh, and let's just bring in a virtuoso French Horn musician for a perfect little part. Throws the flutter finger in there like a boss...

[@OTDMike67]

I am flooded with memories when I hear this. Chicago was my favorite band in High School . What a wonderful piece of music, performed brilliantly by Leonid and Friends. Thanks for reviewing this, and bringing it to us!

[@GasmanChris5705]

This one kills me brings back some very sad times. Brilliant performance as always guys 👍 ❤

[@andyyoung814]

Jim, nailed like every song they cover. Beautiful and I geared up too. Best wishes from the UK.

[@kurtv4946]

These guys are so good. It makes one realize just how good Chicago was.

[@KC-ro7zp]

Always knew how good they are, i agree!

[@annec7772]

BEAUTIFULLY done…. Tugs at the heart ♥️

[@gittube417]

Peter Cetara would be impressed!

[@gregdcross]

In April I had tickets to see Lenoid & Friends in concert in Nashville. A day before the concert, something came up which I had to address and I couldn't go to the concert and it really broke my heart. Their performances are top notch. If anyone can go to one of their concerts, do so. Odd how a band from Russia does songs from years ago better than any other group.

[@ndpd11]

Beautifully done!

[@larrysmith1851]

Amazing. You'll be blown away by their live performance when you see them! I've seen them twice in Florida and they are one of the most enjoyable concert performers I've ever seen or heard.

[@sonnya7737]

Good stuff this group is very close to the original Chicago 👍🏽

[@Hettepop]

even better

[@StanleyOlivar]

Feeling nostalgic here. 🥲😍❤️

[@jeffhartman7000]

It must have been amazing to be in the studio… notice the expressions on the string players.

[@debbicozart7130]

I love these guys. They have been my favorite band these days. Wait until you see them. They're incredible. We're driving a hour north to see them in Salem Oregon! Can't wait.

[@matto9734]

Leonid made sure, that his Basscan´t be overheard in the mix ;-) They all had so much fun, especially the string section.

[@nancymar5835]

The best cover ever! Bravo!

[@maryannarep]

Goose bumps. The last time i went to a Chicago show was in Spokane a few years ago. I ran up to Peter Ceterra and he signed my piano book of Chicago songs... Saturday in the Park. I love Leonid and Friends. Thanks again Jeff for this presentation.

[@billzitsch6995]

Just curious, Peter Cetera signed your book a few years ago when you saw Chicago in concert? Cetera left Chicago in 1985, that's 39 years ago. Are you sure it was Cetera or was it more than a "few" years ago?

[@maryannarep]

@@billzitsch6995 it was one of the guys. It was in Spokane around 2013.

[@billzitsch6995]

@@maryannarep Unfortunately it probably wasn't Cetera. He wouldn't even appear with them when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF.

[@maryannarep]

@@billzitsch6995 who knows then. I could have sworn it was one of the originals. Oh well. Still a great show!!

[@jonicantrell7849]

I can hardly wait for reaction to feeling stronger everyday Ive been following the band for about 3 years . They bring me so much joy and make me remember the soundtrack of my life. Im such a huge fan ❤

[@jonicantrell7849]

BTW I'm feeling every emotion you describe and even sometimes can't describe. Its deep in the soul.

[@rickderby8438]

Jeff, I"m going to see these guys IN PERSON on Sunday! Thanks to you!

[@CLEOTISJAMES]

The french horns are so signature on this song!

[@TheCybertiger9]

Just a comment on mixing/producing material. I always had the utmost respect for a well engineered song. I believe the Beatles, while being innovative by them selves, were helped immensely by the creative and genius George Martin

[@123rgar]

I love this group so much! Saw them for the first time last year at The Canyon in Montclair California. We are going again in November. Props to all the members but Ksenyas voice just melts me.

[@debbieomi]

@@123rgar I get to see them on my 60th birthday in Kalamazoo on September 20th! I am so excited!

[@johnthorpe163]

There is such beauty in excellence.

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. Another impeccable performance. Love it.

[@MontesiDavid]

Speachless again…love it

[@ljcor1899]

I truly Love this channel and how it features great artists and increíble music! This is a true cover masterpiece. Any closer to the original it’s impossible…. Wow. Thank you for bringing such great content.

[@caprise-music6722]

Crazy good! Truly a remarkably beautiful song performed to perfection

[@maki_roll]

Speaking of getting transported back, this song *ALWAYS* reminds me of when I was around 13 or 14 years old and getting my haircut at the barbershop. This song always came on when I was there and so they are inextricably linked for me haha

[@StrateleStudios]

@@maki_roll 😄👏👏👏

[@dankendall1205]

Absolutely delightful

[@megstsauveur6881]

That was incredibly beautiful! Just a gorgeous song! 🩷🩷🩷🥰

[@jbs256]

This was a beautiful Homage class cover to this song and group. Your reaction and analysis was me. Just jaw dropping awe. I hope you exercised that jaw, I see what’s next. ❤ Joe

[@gabrieloscarvaldez1111]

La música de Chicago se a echo para los oídos dulces una melodía inolvidable la voz de este cantante lo a echo de maravilla ni más ni menos con lo justo y te llega al alma como escuchar a Peter ❤❤

[@Beauty-and-the-Dia-betes]

It's funny that you're doing a reaction video, I was just listening to this in my playlist. They cover the song so well. One week from today I'll be seeing them at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA. While I miss Serge, Michael does handle these songs very well. You're going to have a great time when you see them too!!

[@valerielynn7256]

I’ll be there too I’m from northeastern pa so this my only chance to see them live

[@Beauty-and-the-Dia-betes]

@@valerielynn7256 I’m from northeast PA too, Poconos to be exact. You’ll have a blast, the show is always so much fun.

[@rusty9129]

Not only the mixing, but the mics and board...man, the compression is just perfect!! I've said this before but, how do they sing in English like this? Serge is Ukrainian...how does he make himself sound like he was born in Illinois? LOL. I guess he has the same talents as the rest of the band: a perfect-pitch ear!

[@barryanderson3910]

Does anyone know if the group uses pitch correction or AutoTune?

[@gregdcross]

They don't. Watch videos of their concert performances where they don't use pitch correction or autotune. They are the real deal. Many in the group are graduates of the Russian school of music which would be similar to Juliard. Professionals for sure.

[@rickstadel5285]

@@barryanderson3910 I saw them perform live about a year and a half ago and I heard no evidence of it.

[@maliabrown4390]

This was my teenage years 😍😍😍

[@rickstadel5285]

Plea-ea-se don't miss these guys live -- it's almost freaky how good they are live . .

[@nancymar5835]

🔥🔥🔥 Amazing talents! This is music I heard on the radio daily in my younger days, living in Chicago. The group Chicago was incredibly popular and their music was stellar. These covers of Chicago hits are extraordinary!

[@Curly34584]

Real Nice👍❤️

[@tolor3254]

Me and my wife’s “song” ❤ beautiful

[@TuTuFox]

I sware they sound even better than Chicago‼️‼️The Brass, strings etc is FIRE 🔥

[@thearkwitch]

The bass player (the older man) got a hold of a Chicago album back in the day. But living in Russia it was forbidden to possess music etc. Leonid listened to each note and composed the song note by note! And figured out which musical instruments that would make that note. You talk about a project! So this man is a genius! I love this group. I am 64 and was around for the original Chicago songs. I have to say the Russian cover is better! Go Leonid!

[@thearkwitch]

Note: I don't know if music or albums were not allowed. I heard his backstory on KZbin somewhere a couple years ago. It's fascinating

[@karensaldanha4760]

Every recreation of Chicago's hits (and all the artist they later paid tribute to) are impeccable, but I notice you only react to Chicago's hits. I implore to listen to some of the deeper cuts they recreate of Chicago. They pick some of their best songs. 10 or so years ago when "Brand New Love Affair" went viral and had the band Chicago's approval (Chicago put it on their website) L&F started doing a lot more Chicago song recreations. Over time, thanks to suggestions of commenters suggestings other horn band's, they greatly expanded their tributes and have toured the U.S. several times.

[@larryclair2195]

Yep! There’s those strings again. Drag out the tissues! And the French horns. Wow!

[@cptoscar]

Takk!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! 🫶

[@scottsanders9090]

A true masterpiece....was fortunate to see Chicago twice in the early and mid 70;s....the 2nd time was one week prior to the tragedy that hurt us all..

[@fiddlestix3025]

Oh my gosh, the memories, the goosebumps…… It was one of the ones I’d put a penny into the jukebox for ☺️ Although this seems such a’word-for-word’ cover, I really enjoyed it. And what a great song! Thanks for showcasing this, Jeff 🙏

[@JimboKM]

If this came on the radio I wouldn't know it wasn't the original. Chicago should be looking here when recruiting new members.

[@valerielynn7256]

I’m surprised they haven’t recruited serge

[@jamesyoung1012]

Jeff you bring so much joy in the way you respond to this incredible performance just love your work mate! James from Sydney!

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you my friend!

[@johnalexander3629]

I'm happy to see that I'm not alone in having an emotional response to the soundtracks of my life. The quality of the musicians and singers of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s was truly amazing. It is such a shame that the 90s started the slide towards what is offered these days. I feel that it's become a product more than an artform. Do yourself a favour and check out young Taj Farrant from Australia. He will give you hope for the future of the art. Have a look at him playing Chris Stapleton's Tennessee whiskey. Quite inspiring to see his journey from 7 to 15 years old. Cheers mate 👍

[@StrateleStudios]

@@johnalexander3629 🫶

[@kellyhallagan3352]

Love it!!!

[@steveendsley1729]

I haven't seen you review when Leonid's band was recording during COVID and had to make some changes. Look at "So Very Hard to Go" with their newest singer. Excellent sound.

[@chulabella9196]

Listen to Hard To Say I'm Sorry by Leonid and Friends ❤❤

[@KennethRini]

Hey Jeff... been enjoying watching you discover and react to this group which I've been singing the praises of since they started appearing online. I grew up in Newbury Park, right up the road from you about the same time in the late 70s playing all these Chicago, EW&F, ToP, etc. songs in the NPHS marching, jazz and concert bands so I totally relate to your memories and emotions of the time. I've seen L&F live now about 5 times, the last time in Oxnard on a day I literally traveled 3000 miles to get there and planning on getting there again this November where I look forward to meeting you! -Ken R.

[@SergeantFunkDan]

"How did Chicago write so many great songs?" - my belief is that there are still many folks with great song-writing skills. But industry execs have for decades forced almost all into little boxes of "You need to sound like this guy or girl", have a map of {I,VC,VC,B,CC,O}, eliminate instrument solos etc. Tiny boxes. The open web now allows freedom and self-distribution. But at the expense of high-dollar promotion and often, great production. But at least it's more free now for great groups like this, Snarky Puppy, Dirty Loops et al. Great channel, man. Love you brother

[@richyz01]

Great review Jeff! Serge does Citara to the T. Amazing performance by all. It takes us back.

[@Straydogger]

You gotta hear "Happy Man" by this band. Another Chicago cover.

[@47heritage]

Hi Jeff! Great choice. I'm also Southern California. I'm in the Granada Hills/ Northridge area and we get the same winds you get. I think you're out around Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks? Maybe run into you when they play Oxnard! All the best!! Bob Love

[@petertoal371]

Listening to your comments on how the music brings back memories as to what was going on in your life at the time. I think that is first and foremost the wonder of music. Music can immediatly take you to a place in your life and of course, the quality of the piece plays a big part in that. Chicago and later on when Peter Cetera collaborated with David Foster, put out some brilliant songs that will be around for a long long time. Stay safe my friend.

[@nickhayes7082]

When this song came out, I was delivering newspapers in Richmond, VA. My friend had a transistor radio on his bicycle and this song was playing when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise and a long, healthy line of profanity and finally a cat screeching. While riding his bike through yards throwing papers, he first ran over a lawn sprinkler and then a cat - at that point he fell off the bike. Fifty years later, I think about that every time I hear this song. Fun times.

[@АндрейЛьвов-ч8е]

Я надеюсь, что кошка выжила, сэр! 🥰

[@rgoers]

Jeff, it looks like you need better weather stripping. That dust is really making you wipe your eyes a lot today! I just love Serge's vocals but I can't tell if he is also singing the harmony. It almost sounds like Ksenia but she isn't shown and doesn't have credits. I may be biased as this is about the time I first started listening to L&F but this is my favorite lineup for the group (including Ksenia). I really miss Serge and Sergey. I

[@michaellazzeri2069]

OHHHHHHH, MY MEMORIES OF THIS SONG ! I RAN TO TOWER RECORDS IN TORRANCE CA., TO GET THE 45 & I STILL OWN IT. ---------I WAS REELING FROM A BROKEN LOVE , & THIS ONE JUST HIT ME SO HARD ! ----- THE 70'S LIVE ON ! ------MJL, 78 Y/O

[@davidbrownstein1464]

I'll see you in Oxnard! I think it'll be my 51st concert!

[@maxwellsalani7657]

Hello from Kansas City! I was wondering if I could make a request. I’d like to hear you do a cover of “No Tell Lover”, from the “Hot Streets” album. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m actually surprised that you haven’t recorded that song yet. Thank you so much!✌️😀

[@maiflfootball2813]

Serge T does great vocals on this. He has been stuck in Ukraine since the war. Go to his album "From the Other Side of the Planet" and listen to him singing STYX "Come Sail Away". The whole album is great.

[@Hettepop]

who’s still playing the L&F Songbook in September 2024?

[@tonythegoodman]

ain't it a crazy world we live in nowadays..0ct 24

[@grh7399]

Is this a Magicians trick or are these people REALLY THIS GOOD. I mean they speak broken English.

[@jamesparker9043]

I don’t know how they did it but their cover of this beautiful song is slightly better than Chicago’s studio version and live versions. And that’s not a slam against Chicago.

[@jbach4311]

Jeff, would you Please do "Windy" by the Association?

[@cabral9632]

🇧🇷

[@robertcason3328]

The guitar solo was edited in....notice the difference in the color of the instrument on the solo sections. Still and all- the very best sounds ever!

[@kens32052]

This song is missing something but I can't put my finger on it.......Oh yeah, no Ksenia sigh.

[@ridgemanron]

This guy is the closest thing to Cetera that you will ever experience.

[@alynnglo9172]

Anyone in phx? Theyrecoming in Nov!

[@karensaldanha4760]

I believe this is the complete playlist of Chicago songs that Leonid & Friend's have videos of: Mongonucleosis Introduction Listen Street Player Happy Man Woman Don't Want to Love Me Ain't it Blue Free Stay The Night Hot Streets What's This World Coming To You Are On My Mind Alive Again Hanky Panky/Life Saver Old Days Just You 'n' Me Call On Me 25 or 6 to 4 I'm a Man Feeling Stronger Everyday Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away Make Smile Color My World Saturday In The Park Your The Inspiration If You Leave Me Now Dialogs Parts 1&2 Brand New Love Affair Pt 1&2 Colour My World Wishing You Were Here Beginnings I've Been Searching So Long Questions 67 & 68 Mississippi Delta City Blues Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is

[@barryanderson3910]

In the latest of their streaming videos while on tour, I believe Roman either hinted or confirmed that their next video (after the tour) would be another Chicago song.

[@grahamthompson2594]

This is an early Leonie and Friends, pre Ksenia. Serge had to add the high harmonies and thus double tracked the whole vocal. It is the only upload not totally live.

[@larrybailey426]

During their live perfosnces Leonid hss turmed this song into a duet with Ksenia and Serge T and now Mikail. It may not be on the current setlist so check 2022 performaces.

[@patbrewer4205]

Foster wrote a lot for them also

[@bAkra60]

Excellent cover, however Cetera's vocals are unmatched on this cover

[@sandrisjansons1515]

Very much like Peter Cetera !

[@seanb6259]

I think David Foster wrote some of the best songs that Leonid have covered alongside Peter Cetera the main vocalist.

[@brentabbott3954]

Its all about Terry

[@howieharkema8576]

🤍💛🧡💗💚💙💜🤎🖤✌

[@kirkkimball-martinez2402]

You won't hear or see Serge or Sergey. The Band has not been the same since Serge and Sergey left the band. They were the real feel and voices for the Chicago sound with L&F.