"The Speck of Dust" by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

"The Speck of Dust" by Leonid & Friends, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
Original Video: • The Speck of Dust - Le...
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Music - Alexey Ashtaev (RIP)
Lyrics - Leonid Vorobyev and Roman Vorobyev
Arrangement - Alexey Ashtaev and Leonid Vorobyev
Leonid Vorobyev - bass, producing, mixing, mastering, video-montage
Ksenia Buzina - lead vocal
Igor Dzhavad-Zade - drums
Sergey Kurmaev - synthesizer, backing vocal
Serge Tiagnyriadno (Kyiv, Ukraine) - synthesizer, backing vocal
Vasily Akimov - backing vocal
Danil Buranov - backing vocal
Andrey Zyl - trumpet
Maxim Likhachev - trombone
Oleg Kudryavtcev - tenor sax
Konstantin Kovachev - guitar
Rei Frometa - percussion
Special guests -
Cheynesh Baytushkina - overtone singing
Symphony Orchestra - various musicians
Conductor - Alexey Vereshagin
Gennady Papin - recording of the orchestra
Alexey Sedov and Kir Popov - video shooting
Special thanks to:
Mosfilm Music Studios
CineLab SoundMix Studio
Gigant Record
TGmade Studio
The Speck of Dust
When you find yourself in (a) vicious cycle
Searching for some truth in useless titles
Seems so complicated
Too sophisticated
See the world created (is) just the speck of dust
Bridge:
Doo-doo-doo-doo Doo-doo-doo-doo
Explanations
Doo-doo-doo-doo Doo-doo-doo-doo
Allegations
Doo-doo-doo-doo Doo-doo-doo-doo
Alterations
Getting lost in translations
Refrain:
There’s no time
There’s no place
Only spirit full of grace
You can sing
You can fly
Now you sure will never die
No more tears
No more pain
Cause’ you found yourself again
Shining light
On your way
To the total freedom
You had been a lone and wasteland rover
When you realized the game is over
Leave the false temptations
Free imagination
See the whole creation (is) just the speck of dust
Bridge:
Doo-doo-doo-doo, Doo-doo-doo-doo
Stars and planets
Doo-doo-doo-doo, Doo-doo-doo-doo
Rocks and granits
Doo-doo-doo-doo, Doo-doo-doo-doo
Now that’s all yours
Breaking out of the universe
Refrain.
Музыка - Алексей Аштаев
Стихи - Леонид Воробьев и Роман Воробьев
Аранжировка - Алексей Аштаев и Леонид Воробьев
Леонид Воробьев - бас-гитара, продюсирование, микс, мастеринг, видео-монтаж
Ксения Бузина - вокал
Игорь Джавад-заде - ударные
Сергей Тягнирядно (Киев, Украина) - синтезатор, бэк-вокал
Сергей Курмаев - синтезатор, бэк-вокал
Василий Акимов - бэк-вокал
Данил Буранов - бэк-вокал
Андрей Зыль - труба
Максим Лихачев - тромбон
Олег Кудрявцев - тенор саксофон
Константин Ковачев - гитара
Рэй Фромета - перкуссия
Специальные гости -
Чейнеш Байтушкина - горловое пение
Алексей Верещагин - дирижер оркестра
Геннадий Папин - запись оркестра
Алексей Седов и Кирилл Попов - видеосъемка
Особая благодарность студиям
Мосфильм Тон Студия
СинеЛаб СаундМикс
Гигант Рекорд
TGmade Studio
Вольный перевод с английского:
Пытаясь выбраться из замкнутого круга
Ищешь ответы в бесполезных фолиантах
Все они, то слишком запутанные и заумные,
То трудности перевода мешают понять смысл
Но стоит лишь отбросить ложные соблазны,
Освободить свое воображение
И ты увидишь, что всё мироздание - всего лишь пылинка
И нет ни времени, ни места
Нет ни боли, ни страданий
Только дух, преисполненный благодати
И как только снова обретешь себя
И вырвешься за пределы вселенной
Понимаешь, что ты бессмертен
И сияющий свет озарит твой путь к полной свободе
This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

[@tomwisemaniii-mt4bw]

There are so many layers to this original composition. I have been immersed in their music for some time now, and it has been an emotionally charged journey. The beauty of their music, the joy they authentically display, and the unifying spirit of music that transcends politics combine to produce a testimonial to the human spirit. One world. Peace through music

[@RobertHall-gc5ur]

Jeff, your initial response was priceless! The initial confused look, followed by the mouth agape reminded me of the first time I heard this. I sincerely hope they can bring us more original beauties like this. But for now, I will enjoy all that they do for you, me, and the world.

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

Leonid's bass, as it leads into the last verse, is killer. It's like he's pulling us back down to earth after floating (momentarily) in the stellar debris. The orchestration here is other worldly. Ksenia's arm movements demonstrate how beautifully she feels the music. Simply outstanding. Fun to watch this with you Jeff!

[@StrateleStudios]

🫶🫶🫶

[@markmetzler9108]

I never get tired of listening to this. Each time, I pick out another snippet of brilliance in this performance. There is so much going on. Just Beautiful.

[@davesanders2325]

Mark, I can’t stop listening to this piece either. Leonard Bernstein once said of his own studio recording of West Side Story that it sounded almost as fresh as Mozart, but then again, who is in that league (sigh). The same here I dare say. The instrumentation is absolutely fabulous. The composition, orchestration and arrangement of the finale is sensational.

[@rickstadel5285]

Me three -- what a remarkable composing achievement!

[@jimwilliams4599]

Unbelievable song...amazing performance...by Ksenia and all the others in this video!! Never , ever get tired of watching and listening......😀❤💥💢💫👍

[@jackarmstrong1838]

Ksenia is a WORLD CLASS SINGER

[@huggybear1996]

They are superb Her voice is really magnificent.

[@thewey]

Once again proving that Leonid and Friends is THE BEST BAND in the world today. They need to do more original work, like "Speck of Dust". Can't wait to see them again for the second time in Charlotte in May 2024.

[@Canadarago]

Just saw them in Charlotte last night. Great Great Great!! What an incredible amount of talent on one stage! I think the wave is building for L&F - in a few years they may be touring in big concert halls with orchestral backing like the Moodies and Jon Anderson have done. I’ll be there!

[@matto9734]

Loss of words, just stunned by the whole thing!! And again . that Bass tone...

[@chuckrizzio5927]

I can see this piece of music as a movie soundtrack

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. A brilliant composition and performance. 5/4 never sounded so good! ♥

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

I’m glad to see your video reaction to this epic piece. They use a small snippet of “The Speck of Dust” as the opener for their concerts. It’s the recording but it sounds live when hearing it.

[@stevetsuda7474]

That was stunning!!! I'm in awe!!

[@emmanuelsamson4819]

Leonid and Friends is actually a symphony orchestra masquerading as a band. Genius, as always!

[@MC-ys3sq]

This hard-to-classified gem has to be listened over and over to be fully appreciated. And you feel the steppe winds blowing..

[@Dancingpastmidnight]

Truly spectacular! Every facet of this performance is amazing, from the musicians, lyrics, conducting, arrangement, production, video shooting and sound mix....

[@kurtv4946]

An amazing piece of music. This group continues to blow me away.

[@Earman54music]

Right out of the gate, the polyphonic Mongolian throat singing got my attention. This song is brilliant, from the brass stabs to the rolling bass line (Leonids sound is so fat!). As you noted in another video jeff, Ksenia is pitch perfect. I have not seen an oboe in a rock video before! LOL! I just loved this composition!

[@merlinjones6485]

Great stuff! That don't sound like much, but I'm very, VERY, fussy about making a good comment about anything!

[@richyz01]

The first time I heard this song I was floored. Amazing talent by everybody. Love your reactions and analysis. Every song this band performs is great. This one is on another level. I don't even know what level that is but I like it.😁

[@samhaskins2506]

As usual Ksenia B kills it! Nice to see Ukrainian Serge T still on vocals. Yes, I was blown away too, this class of production brings tears of joy to my eyes! Amazing! This band is WORLD CLASS! Thank you so much for your review

[@stony2494]

That was a top shelf performance and production in every aspect. WOW 🤩🙏♥️

[@alanreynolds4944]

This should be released on an album, the complex musicianship is just incredible. The song is so emotional and interesting that the lyrics were written by Leonid and his son. It doesn’t get better than this. Thanks Jeff for your appraisal-spot on as usual. In 5/4 time I think!

[@DOC36121]

And, it's in five!

[@brentgindelberger8851]

The part in the middle when it slows down and the strings take over is the music that plays when they assemble on the stage at the beginning of each show.

[@davesanders2325]

Ken, Jeff: thanks for putting Speck of Dust back on my radar, as I have rediscovered the amazingness of this production. Whatever they select, their tributes, compositions and arrangements are consistently true and respectful to the originals. Such professionals.

[@avediskayayan9836]

SIMPY THE BEST OF THE BEST. I AM SPICHLES WHAT NEXT THANK YOU JEF.AND L.F. AND LETS NOT FORGET .OUR VERY DEAR .KSENIA

[@keithdrewv1161]

Always a great start to my day with a new L&F reaction, thanks Jeff, great stuff!!!

[@StrateleStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😃👏🫶

[@TheBicycleGuy]

The 5/4 time feel makes this cool and unusual. Add in some movie score sounding orchestra in the middle and this thing just musically goes off the rails. Just fantastic.

[@jimbizness3864]

Augment the band. Add orchestra. New piece of complex music in 5/4. Nobody flinches. Ksenia looks so good it's hard to hear her. Leonid Vorobyev is a genius.

[@redfox4098]

I know, 100 times I've listened and it still grabs me. We need to hear their own magic.

[@libation2473]

This is one of the greatest compositions I have heard in my life time! Every little part is so intricately balanced. I love Ksenia's voice, ii love harp. I love the oboe, and the orchestra. The overtone singing flowed beautifully into that infectious driving bassline. I listen to the Speck of Dust at least three or four times a week to :make my soul smile!

[@Nancyshank]

Such a beautiful song. I think it’s my favorite of L&F. I’m so glad they are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

[@DOC36121]

I've been wanting L&F to do more original works. I heard this a few years ago and was completely blown away. Just as powerful today as a few years ago!

[@jbach4311]

I noticed Leonid used an Orchestra compared to his normal string section. What a voice from Knesia!! Always the WOW Factor!!

[@rontiemens2553]

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Every note, every line. Thank you.

[@danduncan9230]

Listening to this actually brings tears to my eyes! Truly magical performance. I am going to see Leonid and friends in Virginia Beach soon and I simply cannot wait to experience this wonderful band in person ! Thank you for sharing your God given talents with the world.

[@rickderby8438]

I see they are playing in my area in June. My main question is...how many of his friends can he bring with him?

[@carycolt73]

Brilliant. Great post.

[@billoneil6594]

One of my favorite tunes by L&F. Really showcases the versatility of them all. So amazing. Jeff, glad you were able to enjoy this song .....really appreciate your perspective.

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you! 😊😊😊🫶

[@markkubiak8296]

The very best music Iv heard in a long, long time. Right up there with the Frankfurt Big Band!! Absolutely majestic! The marvelous vocals by Ksenia takes my breath away!!! Brilliant!!

[@anthonygamble-xe4dl]

WOW WOW WOW!!!

[@erik1836]

WOW! There you go again - taking the words right out of my mouth! Just when I think I can't be made more impressed by Leonid and Friends - he does this - and shatters my fragile, assumption based perception of reality! (What will I do, what will I do? - Channel Karl Malden) Just imagine, Jeff, how absolutely joyful we would be if we were lucky enough to be part of such a group as talented as are they. They - Leonid's band of merry men and women - must love him so much - as I am certain he does them. But, to think that despite all of what we have seen so far? We apparently have been remiss not realizing that they could do "this" too and not "just" the covers they do so well? It truly is mind-blowing. But, given Leonid can do what he can do with the great works of the masters of the past, bring to the table the levels of "The College of Musical Knowledge" (Kay Kaiser from the 1940s line); that Leonid possesses - that only someone like yourself can properly appreciate and which, alas - the rest of we, who are un-egde-ee-kayt-ted in such things can only stand in awe of beholding? Should we be surprised - given Leonid possesses all of that and has, at his beck and call, a group of the most talented individuals on earth as singers, musicians, production and video experts - every realm imaginable. We should not be the least surprised that he can pull off this magnificent - event horizon level - production!

[@StrateleStudios]

👏👏👏👏 my man Erik and his golden words!

[@saranebeling6375]

That was gorgeous! I’ve been waiting for L and F for show us what they can really do. Fabulous

[@dttprice]

I am a long time subscriber to Leonid’s channel, so I received a notification as soon as this song was posted. It is so complex, that after the first time through, I knew that would have to hear it several more times to digest all of the layers and nuances. I listened to it about five or six times in a row, and then immediately bought the download from iTunes. I have listened to it many times since then, and I still occasionally catch a detail that I had not previously noticed. There is just SO MUCH here to absorb!

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

This is a bunch of musicians - as usual but, this time needing a CONDUCTOR and full orchestra for the section that changes pace and time signature .... also as always is the great precision in the note for note replication and stellar singing is another reliable aspect. Thanks, God Bless and Kudos to LEONID & FRIENDS ... you too at Stratele Studios - thanks and Great job as well. jj

[@StrateleStudios]

Thanks JJ!

[@rsgulledge]

Sounds like the opening movie score for a major movie. Oscar worthy!

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Are you kidding me? Putting the beautiful Ksenia aside, this band has to be the best Ive ever heard. This arrangement is stellar. The harmonies are spot on, the orchestration just throws this over the top. Speechless Ill take Ksenia now

[@StrateleStudios]

😂

[@petey0404]

Your reaction was the same as mine. Just incredible!!!

[@tigertiger1699]

As he says… speechless… absolutely huge👍👍👍👍👍

[@dennismcpeek9630]

Just when you think you have heard the best, then this! Sounded like music from a film!!

[@naknaksdadn572]

i too would have requested this, but i also knew that others already have and here we are! This is the pinnacle of artistry in music! Jeff! Speechless is exactly right!

[@davidlevine1697]

"they had a lot more in their pocket", so true. ☮❤🙏

[@MsLoriGold]

I might be mistaken, but I think Leonid may also write the scores for everyone. Their story is fascinating and they’re touring in the US this year. I wish they’d come to Canada! 🎶🥰🎶

[@matrixinner]

yes he does

[@pepevisedo7304]

Thanks, Jeff: Your reaction was the same as I had when I first heard it. It is essential that those who know L&F for their magnificent covers can also know their own works. After this video, L&F won me over forever. A splendid job by Leonid (on bass and arrangements), magnificent Ksenia and fantastic everyone else. Hats off!!

[@dotlund1096]

Such a great song. I don’t recall the exactness to the recent history of “Grammy” in relation to this accomplishment. I’m hoping someone will chime in with the factual nature of this. 🥰

[@robertlieb4399]

If you look up the conductor's name, he is with Bolshoi. I imagine the Orchestra is too. The song is amazing.

[@davesanders2325]

Jeff. picked up from Wiki. “It seems that with each new video, Leonid Vorobyev’s band, Leonid & Friends, raises the bar. In this one, they did it again - and went big. The music for “The Speck of Dust” was written by the late Alexey Ashtaev, with lyrics written by Leonid and Roman Vorobyev. Alexey Ashtaev and Leonid arranged this for the band and symphony orchestra.”

[@philippepiveron4937]

Finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did it !!! 😀😀😀😀😀 It's phenomenal: we warned you!!!!

[@glenturrell4485]

The depth and bredth of this composition and the musical chops of all involved is absolutely astonishing. I also listen to it regularly to clear the music cobwebs left by the dreck that passes for much of the music currently on offer. Thanks for another great clip. You might like to listen to The amazing John Findlay's instrumental "In2 the spirit" album. He takes a bunch of the very hackneyed Christmas Carols that blight shopping malls and does some absolutely amazing, utterly surprising instrumental things with them.. Well worth a listen.

[@tigertiger1699]

Full o soul🙏

[@arquimideshernandez5556]

Leónid & Friends…other level…

[@markfarley671]

Just when Leonid & Friends blow the top of of the WOW factor in their covers, along comes The Speck of Dust just takes them to a higher level. Simply fantastic! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@z71ne1]

There is nothing that Ksenia cannot do!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

She can kiss me. Im ready

[@bradcozart5703]

Last year I experienced Mongolian throat singing from another group, Mongolian heavy metal band the HU. This song is a work of art. So glad Leonid brought his friends, r.i.p., composition to life.

[@StrateleStudios]

I love HU!

[@user-mt5ht8rw6q]

Leonid's career in the recording business is certainly evident. He transposes all the cover tunes from recordings to the charts for the players. His late co-worker was co-writer of this tune. His son Romam co-wrote the lyrics and is the bands interpreter when they tour the U.S. His English is pretty good! Leonids mixing skills are amazing along with the video mix. The original guitar player who sings September and Got to Get You Into My Life left the band to go back to Ukraine and fight for his country. Speck of Dust is in 5/4 time and Leonid has the E string on the bass tuned down to C to get that deep note in the chorus.

[@TheoSmith249]

Wow, indeed. Next Level, indeed.

[@alanreynolds4944]

Just watched this four times in a row - there is just so much going on. I wish I could download this to my iPhone library. So good

[@dttprice]

It is available for purchase on all of the usual streaming sites. I bought it from iTunes the same day it was released on KZbin.

[@robertlieb4399]

The audio is for sale iTunes and Amazon music

[@alanreynolds4944]

@@robertlieb4399 thanks Robert - already downloaded

[@ripmcmanus773]

Absolute masterpiece. Mere words can't do it justice.

[@lindabergman3127]

Facts

[@ericmcdowell5762]

I believe Leonid rec'd some kind of award for this composition, but I don't recall what now.

[@Duh6666666]

Wow, love this, not often that we get an original, that classical bridge is to die for! I also like the deep bass, is he in drop d?

[@redzone77p]

LEONID BERNSTEIN, this guy is a genius...extraordinary.

[@StrateleStudios]

🤣👏👏👏

[@brianwest4335]

You can tell a bass player co wrote this song such a great bass line

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

‘80’s vibe. Love this song!! Thanks for reviewing this song, Jeff.

[@elwoodervin3878]

Tickets purchased for the May show in Nashville.!

[@Richard-jq6mq]

I love your channel. Watching your reactions to the various groups, especially Leonid & Friends is like looking in a mirror. Our sentiments of this group are in perfect unison.

[@martinklaus2203]

Love her voice!!

[@delightschwartz2155]

The string and orchestral arrangements alone for this epic would make quite a few film scorers and composers, including the late Claire Fischer, sit bolt upright and take full notice! Wow, this is up there, not just in, but over the stratosphere. I can count on the fingers of one hand the songs that hit me with full force impact like this: Zeppelin's Kashmir and When the Levee Breaks, Moody Blues Knights in White Satin, Jeff Buckley's Mojo Pin. And now, this masterpiece. Leonid and son - more of these originals please!! You proved your depth and facility with the covers and I hope you will keep doing them... but this piece says it all, does it all. Bravo! I could see the right video director using this track to create a video to present Ukraine's case for peace and freedom.

[@seanb6259]

Astounding piece of work by Leonid and Friends! So retro and modern at the same time - up there with Floyd and the best!! This should get radio airplay now!!! Good vid by the way!

[@JayScott-ze8mc]

Ahh...I have been waiting for this one! Jeff, I cannot express how much I enjoy your reaction videos, and the breadth and scope of the music you cover, as my own taste in music is also quite eclectic. Also, as a drum corps veteran, I was deeply moved to see you do videos on DCI shows. I would love to meet you, someday.

[@StrateleStudios]

Ah man thank you so much Jay! 😃👏👏👏🫶

[@larryclair2195]

It got to me too! When those strings came in, I was just overwhelmed it brought tears to my eyes.

[@peterkoeppl]

Just great. Glad you came around and embraced this group Jeff😊

[@paularietta6744]

Just an incredible song and performance. Not just a cover band anymore! So glad you finally checked this one out.

[@SteveSmith-ez1gd]

Magic!!!! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Leonid & Friends.

[@brianwest4335]

Of course the very beautiful talented Ksenia just crushes with her vocal

Saw them last fall in Oregon. Very talanted, great show. Cant say enough. Hope you do more reviews of them. Keep the faith!

[@gerdsonic]

Since I first found Leonid & Friends on KZbin, I've listened to it everyday, and sometimes all day long ... They're all very good musicians ... I love it!

[@TheoSmith249]

me too

[@subby111]

i was looking forward to see this here in your chanel cause i was 100% sure you would be blown away by the interlude as much as i was as i heard it first time...

[@thierryjulien572]

Fully agreed just incredible. 😊

[@larryclair2195]

Literally Overwhelming!

[@GeirBordalen]

So happy you found this gem. They have more… :.)

[@rickdavis7944]

Wow. Just wow. Mind blowing!

[@Berlinbear58]

Wow! Never heard this song before but OMG! Incredible! I love these guys so much. Leonid and Friends has been on my favorites for years now and they always knock me out!! And who doesn't love Ksenia????? 😻🥰😍❤️😘

[@Berlinbear58]

Pure musicians!!!!!

[@tonygambale9786]

Holy Crap!!!❤

[@kurtjohnson4816]

In my mind, this in an incredible composition and arrangement around a song that is... good, but not uniquely captivating or memorable. I was a pro musician/singer for many years, and I wrote songs. Some of them were pretty good. But there is a certain intrinsic brilliance that great songwriters have; and can use three chords, a guitar or piano, write a melody & lyric, and capture a unique moment in time that will burn into your brain and last forever. I didn't have it. Only the rarest do.

[@MikePeters-rz5uf]

Jeff, I really enjoy watching your reaction because It matches exactly how I feel whenever I watch Leonid and Friends. The joy on their faces is priceless. And your smile and responses lights up the studio!

[@megstsauveur6881]

This is BRILLIANT!! Love love love!! 🩷🩷🩷

[@debbicozart7130]

Jeff I've never seen you so speechless 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@StrateleStudios]

😃👏👏👏🫶🫶🫶

[@donnewton415]

One of the things the Russians have always done is to support the arts. The Moscow Institute is one of the finest institutions for delivering artists that are world class. Obviously, where Leonid hires a lot of his musicians. When you see them live, in venues that are much too small for what they bring to the table, you begin to appreciate their gifts. I've watched his/their videos for a few years now, and am always (as the English would say) "Gobsmacked". Thank you for providing these videos. If nothing else, your videos validate what I've been feeling, and from the comments you receive, you're validating others opinions as well.

[@MC-ys3sq]

Just imagine...the conductor normally works for the Bolshoi. This is top-level talent.

[@jalimbu]

Creo que muchos sospechabamos que L & F son mucho mas que una Cover Band y esta es una composición y ejecución que perfectamente puede ser parte de una sinfonía tremenda. Thanks Jeff for your Reaction/Analysis, a true delight.

[@StrateleStudios]

😃🫶

[@redfox4098]

Amazing...

[@bobbybrown6019]

I am blown away,woooow.😮🎉❤