This is one of my favorite EWF songs. EWF songs are not easy to re-create. Leonid & Friends killed it. I feel like I died and went to EWF heaven. These musicians bring so much skill and passion to the music. Love, love, love them.
Leonid and Friends are a phenomenally tight band. Their covers of Chicago, EWF and others are all spot on...plus the energy and joy of performing such soul-inspiring music. I would love to watch them live. I really love their versions of EWF's "After the Love is Gone", Steely Dan's "My Old School" and Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4." Much respect.
Newer viewer here, L&F is an awesome band who are even better in concert. It's difficult to imagine they're not native English speakers and yet they get songs down so easily. I strongly recommend seeing them in concert if you're able to. Thank you for your reaction to their cover.
I Agree Totally Harri, I would love to see them in the UK too and it would be Absolutely amazing to see what EWF though of it too, they'd have to love it!! 😀😀😀
It doesn't get any better than that!! The perfect cover! You should also check out their Steely Dan cover, "My Old School". Equally mind-numbingly good!
Cómo quisiera estar ahí con esos fenómenos músicos y maestros sólo escuchandolos hasta cansarme que no creo jaja mis respetos para esa gente con talento musical ... Excelente!!!
If theres any band that could put some joy hapiness,laughter back into the world. Cant even begin to describe their music. Bravo, kia ora, absolutely amazing all their covers.
Glad to see you doing another Leonid and Friends cover, Harri. It's hard to believe they can cover these songs so well that many people think they rival the originals. They've done so many covers that I'd be hard-pressed to recommend the next one to you (although if you want some more funk and fun, you might try East River). But I do hope you do more in the future.
I can not get over this song. OMG….the intro to this song use to play before the big sporting events back in the day in the late 70’s. I got chills/goose bumps listening to this.
Great reaction! I'm an old school die hard ewf fan and I also was blown away. BTW, have you checked out Frankfurt Studios with Vi featuring Ewf members doing a cover of AWB's" If I ever lose this heaven." Fantastic!
Although this isn't my favorite EWF song this piece so so incredibly complex and as always L and Friends nailed it. My favorite is their cover of Superstar, although I first approached it with trepidation. My memory of Karen Carpenter is stored in a glass box, not to be destroyed. Some performers have broke the glass and insulted her memory, but L and Friends somehow managed to enter the box without breaking it and joining their souls with hers.
You have to see them live, I've seen them 5 times and I am friends with most of them. They came to my Hometown at my request last year. In San Jose California. They did a show in Germany at the brass festival last summer as well. Fantastic band fantastic people. And also against the war in Ukraine by the way, don't tell Putin!🤫
Me too! Got to see them LIVE! The perfect syncopation of the chart performances and audio production are just unbeatable! My favorite song elevated to the next level......
My friend, they are indeed incredible. One image that comes to my mind is that if EWF and Chicago were to re-record their old songs, this would be exactly how it would sound with today's technology. And do not forget that Leonid works from the record only, so sheets no nothing, everything from scratch. This is another amazing part of their incredible story !!!
What makes this group so amazing is the fact that they are all superstars that do what’s best for any given song. For example, the “backup” singers are all lead singers. Everyone gets their shine depending on the song.
Thanks for that Harri. I know you’re a fan of horns and strings in a song so it was a no brainer for me to request this one confident that you’d enjoy it. Their latest is a killer Stevie Wonder cover that hasn’t met the 200k level yet. When it does I’ll be requesting it. Cheers!
What a great cover. I love Earth, Wind and Fire but this was a beautiful performance. So precise, ear pleasing and a total groove. Every instrument shines and funny the vocals remind me of Peter Cetera. You were groovin Harri. Thanks Harri and Michael. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Note for note, punch for punch, phrase for phrase, and vibe for vibe, I have never heard a tune nailed this well. They are so many levels above the rest of us. I wish Maurice was around to hear this.
Written In The Stone is my all time favorite EWF track. I know that tune inside & out, every note, everthing. This cover is PERFECTION. It is as least as good as the original. Mind blowing. My top 3 Leonid & Friends covers are this, Superstar & Hard To Say I'm Sorry
Harri, loved your reaction to Leonid & Friends... I've been following them since Leonid's first posting. Since then, I've seen them in person 5 times. They are incredible LIVE as well. I sure hope you get to see them live one day soon. They are also THE sweetest people. You MUST get the meet & greet tickets when you finally get to go...
Those Russkies sure have soul, don’t they, Harri? YOU are the ONLY major reactor recognizing this phenomenonal group! Leonid , the bassist and founder, is also one of the sound engineers. Fabulous, huh? Saw them in concert last fall- when they come to the UK you MUST attend! They are ultra friendly and would love to meet reactors.
I believe they have just begun a tour of the US. I have been following them for years. I hadn't seen this video, but I am glad to see you react to them, again Harri. Any time I see another reactor with a Chicago hit, I always recommend L & F. However, I do object to the term "Russkies".
@@mitchellbaxter6314, Then why use the term? The British were once known as Limeys, yet folks no longer use that term. I am third-generation Lithuanian. Lithuania was once part of Russia along with Latvia & Estonia. Russkie was used in a derogatory manner towards my family & me. Americans don't really care about Yank or Yankees because most would associate it with the sports team or as a reference to the civil war. Regardless, it is better form not to use those kinds of terms in general, thanks.
@@mitchellbaxter6314 One may be comfortable nude, but go into the public with clothing. Speaking or writing in a public forum requires a similar self-editing. Please feel free to use whatever personally unobjectionable language you see fit. I've only been a student of Communications & public speaking for 40 years. What do I know?
Aren't they awesome,..love how they've grown,..evolved,..to think, and I don't know their whole background, but I bet , as it seems the way they play together, that they have known each other for a while, and have a shared love of many genres of music,..and maybe they like all groups just started out with a couple of musicians with an idea of putting a band together,..and I don't know how serious they were, but again in the way they play,..you can tell the respect, and how serious they take the musicians that came before them, and their music,..what's more, its so lovely to see the young musicians, right along side what may be seasoned musicians (only because some seem to have more grey hair than others😉), I just love that the younger ones are interested in this old music,..and have joined in, continuing in keeping it alive,..do keep checking them out,..I pray you do get to see them,..I so can see them being a part of some jazz festival,..would so love to see them play with Stevie Wonder,..wish they had had the chance to meet up and play with Burt Bacharach(Rip),..they are really, really, really good,..Godspeed, Peace ✌
Hey Harri, I like watching your video"s / reactions! We have the same emotions when we watc and listen to this magnficient artits and muscians! Quality of all times! Love it! And all credits to the team of Leonid
This band is fantastic. I have another band that is absolutely amazing. I went to their concert in Washington DC last night. Please check out the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band. The brass section is kicking it. You must see them. HIgh energy, great singers and incredible musicians.
they totally embraced of the groove, uncanny, innit? anyone can play it, but they feel it. they exude the vibe. will be fortunate to see them live in NYC this summer. ☮❤🙏
Best cover band I have ever heard. Been following them since 2017. First song I heard was 25 or 6 to 4 which hooked me. Chicago and EW&F are my two favorite bands. So, when they covered September a year later, I was in heaven. My wife and I saw them last year in Houston. Every bit as good live.
I fully understand the tears!! When one experiences pure talent and excellence to your soul, tears are the only appropriate reaction!! When the originators shake their heads in agreement, you have it before you!! Pure talent surpasses all borders and peoples! This is the excellence of humanity at its best! Too bad its not always with us.
Harri, your joy is so infectious! I LOVE L&F, they're just the BEST tribute band anywhere! Even Chicago recognized their talent, featuring them on their own website! Leonid has an incredible ear, and transcribes all the parts for every song for the band, plus he is a stunningly great bassist...the whole band is tighter than a gnat's ass! That's practice and internalizing each song...phenomenal seems trite, but that's what they are!
Great reaction! I don’t know this for a fact, but I wouldn’t be the least surprised if most of these musicians are classically trained. The precision is on a whole other level.
I've seen Leonid & Friends live four times so far, and will be seeing them again in a few months. They're mainly a Chicago tribute band, so be sure to check out some of their Chicago songs. Also, take a look at their cover of Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody,' which gives the talented and beautiful Ksenia the spotlight.
Phenomenal cover. Everything is perfect about this. They’ve gone through pain staking detail to replicate the original with great fidelity. Only thing is the slight accent that gives it away. But that’s a short list.
If I remember correctly, I believe Maurice White did most of the arrangements for all of the orchestration and instruments for EWF through the years. He was such an incredible musician and band leader and he is terribly missed. As I child of the 60’s and 70’s I grew up, listening to Earth, Wind and Fire; and listening to Leonid and Friends, literally brought tears to my eyes while I listened to this. Harri thank you for doing the reaction video, because you were vocalizing exactly what I was feeling in my heart while I was listening to their rendition.
Just saw You review Fantasy by EFW and wrote that You should hear THIS SONG!!! AND YOU ALREADY DID!!! What I Love about this particular Song is the Message - Love IS Written in the Stone. In other Words, Love - TRUE LOVE - is FOREVER. LOVE watching Your reactions!!!
All of them they are high skill musicians congratulations Leonid & Friends
This is one of my favorite EWF songs. EWF songs are not easy to re-create. Leonid & Friends killed it. I feel like I died and went to EWF heaven. These musicians bring so much skill and passion to the music. Love, love, love them.
so well said. Actually cried hearing this for the first time. In the Stone is one of their best, and their love for the material is so obvious.
Leonid and Friends are a phenomenally tight band. Their covers of Chicago, EWF and others are all spot on...plus the energy and joy of performing such soul-inspiring music. I would love to watch them live. I really love their versions of EWF's "After the Love is Gone", Steely Dan's "My Old School" and Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4." Much respect.
Couldn’t agree with you more. They are exceptional. Tight , spot on. Sound and engineering excellence. Close your eyes and listen to EW&F.
Trust Me. I saw them here in Knoxville Tennesse. Goosebumps! They are the real deal! I will see them again !
awesome performance!!!
The BEST Cover band for Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope you've seen them doing EWF Fantasy ( it's better than this one) ✌️ ❤ it !!!!!
@@tj5073 Definitely seen it and I loved it
I would say one of the two best cover bands of all (Australian Pink Floyd is the other).
I totally agree with you they are as close to EWF and end it perfectly
I had the good fortune to meet Maurice White in 1981. He came into the club where my band was playing! It was magical!
Im not one to be star struck as they have a job just like me. But Maurice? yeah I'd lose my sh¿t! lol
Saw them in concert. A great band.
Newer viewer here, L&F is an awesome band who are even better in concert. It's difficult to imagine they're not native English speakers and yet they get songs down so easily. I strongly recommend seeing them in concert if you're able to. Thank you for your reaction to their cover.
They were considered the best Cover band in the world 3 yrs ago on Billboard.
These folks are fantastic! Listen to their Chicago covers!
He has already.,you are Abit late.
Top notch!!
Oh my gosh, I have been following Leonid and friends for awhile because of their Chicago covers! They are awesome and super talented! 🥰
Not usually a fan of covers, but these guys are great. They do Chicago like they were Chicago.
Harri bellísimo muchas gracias amigo
I Agree Totally Harri, I would love to see them in the UK too and it would be Absolutely amazing to see what EWF though of it too, they'd have to love it!! 😀😀😀
It's like a vocal and instrumental buffet for the ears.
God bless earth wind and fire and the band tributing you. Very talented. Love your reaction. Thanks for the memories part of my life
Hey Harri, They are probably one of the best cover bands (if not the best) on the planet!!! Well done my friend!!!
Leonid & Friends are magnificent. I love their talent and ability to surpass the original recordings.
It doesn't get any better than that!! The perfect cover! You should also check out their Steely Dan cover, "My Old School". Equally mind-numbingly good!
Cómo quisiera estar ahí con esos fenómenos músicos y maestros sólo escuchandolos hasta cansarme que no creo jaja mis respetos para esa gente con talento musical ... Excelente!!!
If theres any band that could put some joy hapiness,laughter back into the world. Cant even begin to describe their music. Bravo, kia ora, absolutely amazing all their covers.
Glad to see you doing another Leonid and Friends cover, Harri. It's hard to believe they can cover these songs so well that many people think they rival the originals. They've done so many covers that I'd be hard-pressed to recommend the next one to you (although if you want some more funk and fun, you might try East River). But I do hope you do more in the future.
Wow! This is a great cover of an EWF classic. I must say, they did an amazing job. The entire production and arrangement was superb!
Absolutely SMASHED this one! One of my faves since a kid and great work... Talanted guys!
THAT WAS GREAT HARRI, THANKS!!!!!
I can not get over this song. OMG….the intro to this song use to play before the big sporting events back in the day in the late 70’s. I got chills/goose bumps listening to this.
I didn't listen much to earth wind and fire back in the seventies and eighties, but thanks to Leonid and friends, I'm listening to them now.
Leonid and friends sound more like Chicago than Chicago does now. Give them a listen!
Great reaction! I'm an old school die hard ewf fan and I also was blown away. BTW, have you checked out Frankfurt Studios with Vi featuring Ewf members doing a cover of AWB's" If I ever lose this heaven." Fantastic!
My brother and I are going to see Leonid & Friends in concert in 3 weeks… We are so excited and share your passion about their music!!
That is quality stuff, then and now!!!
Excelentes músicos, dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷
Although this isn't my favorite EWF song this piece so so incredibly complex and as always L and Friends nailed it. My favorite is their cover of Superstar, although I first approached it with trepidation. My memory of Karen Carpenter is stored in a glass box, not to be destroyed. Some performers have broke the glass and insulted her memory, but L and Friends somehow managed to enter the box without breaking it and joining their souls with hers.
Unbelievable, they are from Russia, awesome. Such a great cover version of EWF, in the stone !!!
These guys are just awesome. They can sound just like the real thing. They do Chicago great also.
You’re amazing Harri ,you know and appreciate very good music. !!!!
You have to see them live, I've seen them 5 times and I am friends with most of them. They came to my Hometown at my request last year. In San Jose California. They did a show in Germany at the brass festival last summer as well. Fantastic band fantastic people. And also against the war in Ukraine by the way, don't tell Putin!🤫
I was at that show! Lucky you! They are amazing. ❤
Me too! Got to see them LIVE! The perfect syncopation of the chart performances and audio production are just unbeatable! My favorite song elevated to the next level......
Legends of:
Alex Haley Roots:
Ali the Greatest:
M.L.King:
Time Less near 50 years later
Earth Wind & Fire's 🎶🎶🤘
Excelentes músicos dsd San Luis, Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷
My friend, they are indeed incredible. One image that comes to my mind is that if EWF and Chicago were to re-record their old songs, this would be exactly how it would sound with today's technology. And do not forget that Leonid works from the record only, so sheets no nothing, everything from scratch. This is another amazing part of their incredible story !!!
Love these guys! Can’t wait to see them again!
What makes this group so amazing is the fact that they are all superstars that do what’s best for any given song. For example, the “backup” singers are all lead singers. Everyone gets their shine depending on the song.
Nailed it again!!!! You guys, ROCK!!!!!
Its mind blowing..how great they are! Getting ready to see them for the second time!!
Thanks for that Harri. I know you’re a fan of horns and strings in a song so it was a no brainer for me to request this one confident that you’d enjoy it. Their latest is a killer Stevie Wonder cover that hasn’t met the 200k level yet. When it does I’ll be requesting it. Cheers!
Fabulous 👋👏 👏👏👏 Thank you Michael Hannan and Harri.
What a great cover. I love Earth, Wind and Fire but this was a beautiful performance.
So precise, ear pleasing and a total groove. Every instrument shines and funny the vocals remind me of Peter Cetera. You were groovin Harri. Thanks Harri and Michael. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
They truly an amazing band and I’m there number one fan❤️😊
Live they will blow you away!!’ I’ve seen them 3 times😊
some one in the U.k needs to bring this band over to us what a band!!
Just saw them in concert a week ago and they blew me away. Their energy live is incredible!!
I pray you hear their EW&F FANTASY cover!! Tears of joy.
👋 Kristina. It is so funny to see everyone commenting here. 😂
I recommend this group playing the songs of Chicago. They have the best Chicago covers, they are spot-on
He's already reacted to a couple
They also do Steely Dan! My Old School will blow your mind.
Note for note, punch for punch, phrase for phrase, and vibe for vibe, I have never heard a tune nailed this well. They are so many levels above the rest of us. I wish Maurice was around to hear this.
I agree with Harri Best! I love watching Harri Best's reactions. Makes it even better to listen to!
Just unbelievable. That was a continuous goosebump.
Written In The Stone is my all time favorite EWF track. I know that tune inside & out, every note, everthing. This cover is PERFECTION. It is as least as good as the original. Mind blowing. My top 3 Leonid & Friends covers are this, Superstar & Hard To Say I'm Sorry
Harri, loved your reaction to Leonid & Friends... I've been following them since Leonid's first posting. Since then, I've seen them in person 5 times. They are incredible LIVE as well. I sure hope you get to see them live one day soon. They are also THE sweetest people. You MUST get the meet & greet tickets when you finally get to go...
One of my favs of EWF.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
the horn section was so tight sounds just like the studio recording by EWF. Awesome thanks
Those Russkies sure have soul, don’t they, Harri? YOU are the ONLY major reactor recognizing this phenomenonal group! Leonid , the bassist and founder, is also one of the sound engineers. Fabulous, huh?
Saw them in concert last fall- when they come to the UK you MUST attend! They are ultra friendly and would love to meet reactors.
I believe they have just begun a tour of the US. I have been following them for years. I hadn't seen this video, but I am glad to see you react to them, again Harri. Any time I see another reactor with a Chicago hit, I always recommend L & F. However, I do object to the term "Russkies".
@@rebeccalipps23 Most people think of 'Russkies' as being similar to 'Yankees,' as a casual nickname, not with any derogatory meaning or intent.
@@mitchellbaxter6314, Then why use the term? The British were once known as Limeys, yet folks no longer use that term. I am third-generation Lithuanian. Lithuania was once part of Russia along with Latvia & Estonia. Russkie was used in a derogatory manner towards my family & me. Americans don't really care about Yank or Yankees because most would associate it with the sports team or as a reference to the civil war. Regardless, it is better form not to use those kinds of terms in general, thanks.
@@rebeccalipps23 If people don't think of the word as derogatory, why wouldn't they use it?
@@mitchellbaxter6314 One may be comfortable nude, but go into the public with clothing. Speaking or writing in a public forum requires a similar self-editing. Please feel free to use whatever personally unobjectionable language you see fit. I've only been a student of Communications & public speaking for 40 years. What do I know?
I caught their show last summer....the house was packed! "Beginnings" by Chicago is special if you have not heard their cover of that Chicago classic!
They are so talented, really amazing ! This song was the credits of a very famous French TV show in the 80's 😉
Thanks for your great reactions ❤
They are just the best ' my go to set to get me going first thing in the morning
Aren't they awesome,..love how they've grown,..evolved,..to think, and I don't know their whole background, but I bet , as it seems the way they play together, that they have known each other for a while, and have a shared love of many genres of music,..and maybe they like all groups just started out with a couple of musicians with an idea of putting a band together,..and I don't know how serious they were, but again in the way they play,..you can tell the respect, and how serious they take the musicians that came before them, and their music,..what's more, its so lovely to see the young musicians, right along side what may be seasoned musicians (only because some seem to have more grey hair than others😉), I just love that the younger ones are interested in this old music,..and have joined in, continuing in keeping it alive,..do keep checking them out,..I pray you do get to see them,..I so can see them being a part of some jazz festival,..would so love to see them play with Stevie Wonder,..wish they had had the chance to meet up and play with Burt Bacharach(Rip),..they are really, really, really good,..Godspeed, Peace ✌
Hey Harri, I like watching your video"s / reactions! We have the same emotions when we watc and listen to this magnficient artits and muscians! Quality of all times! Love it! And all credits to the team of Leonid
Phenomenal, such a consistently fine band. The latest is the terrific 'Fantasy' - must be heard!
The production is over the top WoW!!!! The brass the strings the drummer is a beast never heard a cover band like this
This band is fantastic. I have another band that is absolutely amazing. I went to their concert in Washington DC last night. Please check out the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band. The brass section is kicking it. You must see them. HIgh energy, great singers and incredible musicians.
HIGH QUALITAT THE MUSIC AND SINGERS !! BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!
In one way: Fantastic!! 👍👍❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶
Awesome band, I buy tickets every time they come to the U.S.
My favorite song from Earth , Wind & Fire.
they totally embraced of the groove, uncanny, innit? anyone can play it, but they feel it. they exude the vibe.
will be fortunate to see them live in NYC this summer.
☮❤🙏
Best cover band I have ever heard. Been following them since 2017. First song I heard was 25 or 6 to 4 which hooked me. Chicago and EW&F are my two favorite bands. So, when they covered September a year later, I was in heaven. My wife and I saw them last year in Houston. Every bit as good live.
I fully understand the tears!! When one experiences pure talent and excellence to your soul, tears are the only appropriate reaction!! When the originators shake their heads in agreement, you have it before you!! Pure talent surpasses all borders and peoples! This is the excellence of humanity at its best! Too bad its not always with us.
That horn section is omg so good - Sharp clean and just outstanding
Man thank you Harri for introducing me to another great band! Of course so know Earth Wind and Fire, and now I'm happy I have these guys to check out!
A+ cover band been listening for a few years now. Their cover of I'm a Man is one of my favorites. Lexington Lab Band is another solid cover band. 🍻
Harri, your joy is so infectious! I LOVE L&F, they're just the BEST tribute band anywhere! Even Chicago recognized their talent, featuring them on their own website! Leonid has an incredible ear, and transcribes all the parts for every song for the band, plus he is a stunningly great bassist...the whole band is tighter than a gnat's ass! That's practice and internalizing each song...phenomenal seems trite, but that's what they are!
My favourite Leonid and Friends cover.
Modern Recording technics and equipment play a part in the awesome sound of Leonid and Friends.
best cover band of the Century, incredible musicians ALL of THEM
Great reaction! I don’t know this for a fact, but I wouldn’t be the least surprised if most of these musicians are classically trained. The precision is on a whole other level.
You are correct. Leonid is a classically trained choir conductor, and is plugged into the talent stream across Russia.
I've seen Leonid & Friends live four times so far, and will be seeing them again in a few months. They're mainly a Chicago tribute band, so be sure to check out some of their Chicago songs. Also, take a look at their cover of Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody,' which gives the talented and beautiful Ksenia the spotlight.
👋 Going through the comments and seeing so many peeps I know here! 😂
I got to see them in New Orleans 4/30/23 so happy I purchased a standing only at House of Blues because I danced the entire concert ❤
Their most recent release is "Fantasy", another EWF classic and Leonid and Friends smash it!
Phenomenal cover. Everything is perfect about this. They’ve gone through pain staking detail to replicate the original with great fidelity. Only thing is the slight accent that gives it away. But that’s a short list.
bought the album when it first came out, 44 years ago----- wore it out,lol
no one quite like EWF
My father in law turned me on to these guys! So incredible! They are touring the US in 2023!
They are so good!
They are great in concert ! Go if you can.
Love it! Keep bringing it!
Dang fantastic horns n percussion 🥁✅
If I remember correctly, I believe Maurice White did most of the arrangements for all of the orchestration and instruments for EWF through the years. He was such an incredible musician and band leader and he is terribly missed. As I child of the 60’s and 70’s I grew up, listening to Earth, Wind and Fire; and listening to Leonid and Friends, literally brought tears to my eyes while I listened to this. Harri thank you for doing the reaction video, because you were vocalizing exactly what I was feeling in my heart while I was listening to their rendition.
Brilliant I've seen earth wind fire
George Massenburg recorded many of the EWF tracks. Superb!
I really wish they would come to the UK
Just saw You review Fantasy by EFW and wrote that You should hear THIS SONG!!! AND YOU ALREADY DID!!! What I Love about this particular Song is the Message - Love IS Written in the Stone. In other Words, Love - TRUE LOVE - is FOREVER. LOVE watching Your reactions!!!
gotta hear their Chicago covers