Leonid & Friends: Behind The Music 

I have been a pro musician in the USA since I was 12 , I am turning 69 this year. I have played with some great people over the years. Your group makes my heart beat better and I get the feelings i had in my younger days playing music, Thanks for all your efforts to do this project. I know how much talent it takes to do what you do .From my heart to yours thanks for all you do.

Without a doubt, the best cover band that ever existed. When a band plays Chicago compositions better than Chicago...that is something.

This Effortless Drummer is blowing my mind.

Sergey Kashirin has been my fav guitarist since I first saw Leonid on RU-vid when they first started out. Leonid is a musical genius!

It’s late October in 2023 and I just discovered my favorite bunch of artists! What a joy! Each of you make me smile and I get lost in your music. Thank each of you so very much for sharing your talents with the world! Music truly has no borders and I love you all!❤❤❤❤❤😀😀

Im a Brazilian 63 years old man, when i started lisening Leonid & Friends i had the impression that my life was starting again, when I was young i had a garage band and we played the Chicagos song Im a man. Leonid & Friends até bringing a litle beat of peace to this weird world.

It's like finding a Rembrandt at a yard sale.

The guitarist does Terry Kath as well as anyone I've every heard. I had tears in my eyes a half-dozen times. Next time they're in the US, I'll be there.

HERE'S A STATEMENT.....TELL ME I AM WRONG IF YOU DARE..... ---THIS IS THEE GREATEST BAND ON THE PLANET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to see the individual members of this band getting the attention that they so greatly deserve! Thank you for this film!

Great documentary! Leonid and Friends are by far the best Chicago cover band and may very well be the best cover band in the world.

I was sixteen years old in 1971, with a new drivers license and an old car with an AM radio when I discovered Chicago, the band, the sound. A rock group with horns! They have been my favorite band for 52 years. I made a comment on a Chicago video, and someone replied and said I should check out Leonid and Friends. Wow...just WOW! I have seen Chicago live twice, and these guys are better. They are note for note PERFECT, the same as the recordings I have been listening to since I was sixteen. I was born July 1st, 1955, about the same age as Leonid, and what a rare treat at 68 years old to discover my favorite music all over again. It gets better. Then I discovered Ksenia singing Superstar by Karen Carpenter, another lifelong favorite artist of mine. I thought I would never again hear such a perfect voice. Then I heard the side by side comparison video They sound like twin sisters! A part of me died with Karen, but Ksenia brings joy back into my soul. I wish music could heal all the problems in the world and let us all get along...Ken

this goes into far more depth than most band documentaries. very intelligent and well-written.

If it wasn't for the algorithm of RU-vid, I would not have discovered Leonid and Friends, and this documentary. The faces of the band has changed since this documentary, but they still sound just as good!

One of the reasons these Russkies are so popular today is because the music they play is frightfully close to the studio versions that the boys of Chicago cranked out in the studio back in the day. Growing up in the 1960s, first generation Chicago fans played these albums over and over again, forever embedding the tight, original melodies, harmonies and lyrics in their brain stems. That said, music performed by Chicago in concert today, and to a large degree in the '70s as well, rarely is/was as straight-laced as the vinyl originals, with live improvisations and extended riffs filling arenas as the band's collective spirit was moved to perform them, but this put some purists off, then and now. Not because the music stinks - far from it - but because that which they grew up on is, ironically enough, more comfortable, predictable, and desirable. Leonid & Friends have successfully tapped into this yearning to hear Chicago songs as they were originally recorded. It's no wonder that when Chicago added links to Leonid & Friends to their web site, the Moscow crew's popularity saw them garner more hits than the original group.

I’ve always loved the band Chicago thru the years and can’t thank this group of superb musicians for bringing back such beautiful songs then and now, thank you!!! Keep playing ❤!!

In every single video on Leonid’s channel Leonid himself seems absolutely joyous and it is the purest happiness ever.

It's funny...so many stories about how people discovered this band are similar, many in the "just stumbled across them" category. You have to love, especially in the modern world, the undeniable fact that these world-class-plus musicians from the former Soviet Union are playing standout American music to American and international audiences and have become widely appreciated for their excellence--how that just blows away false barriers between countries, peoples, continents and whatever. No-one gives a sh** about any of that. They just love the band, love the music and love the shared experience. I am grateful to them (and to Chicago, B,S &T, and E,W & F) for that great, great gift. They have given the world more than they could possibly know.

I'm proud to say I met them all in 2019 and call them my friends....Great people and very humble. See them live! They are touring again in 2020. Thank you for this wonderful footage!

They bring true joy to my heart and for some reason a glimmer of hope in these troubled times. My new favorite band!

Absolutely an amazing band, together and separately. Too bad leaders of the world can't come together as Leonid and Friends do, there would be so much less hate in the world. Love the whole band and all of your music. "Keep on keepin on" everyone.

Yup, Blood Sweat and Tears and Chicago gradually kicked me over to the world of jazz, about 80% of what I listen to. The band member that covers Peter Cetera has absolutely nailed it.

Great music, Great band, world-class musicians. Now let's give peace a chance so we can all enjoy this glorious friendship - glasnost.

I literally grew up with all of this music. This group of musicians are absolutely phenomenal, and one can see in all of their eyes, they totally love and enjoy what they do. Their rendition of Steely Dan- "My Old School" blew me away.

Simply a superb documentary on one of my (now) favorite bands. As a longtime lover of Chicago (especially the Terry Kath era) it tickles me to no end to see this great music brought to life by such talented musicians. Who would have thought? My favorite #1 album of all time is Chicago Transit Authority; from that album comes my #1 song of all time, 'Beginnings'. One of the things that have always bothered me about Chicago is they never captured the studio spirit in their live shows. I've always missed that. If fact, I do not care for Chicago live, then or now. To hear Leonid & Friends play some of my favorite music, and play it live, and true to the albums, amazes me. 'September' is also my favorite Earth, Wind & Fire song, so that's pretty cool too. Thanks, Leonid (and friends) for pursuing your dreams.

Thank you for putting this together! Leonid & Friends are so talented and the videos are a joy to watch.

I saw Chicago in spring of 1985, before Cetera left, and I still consider it one of the best concerts I've been to. They played for almost 3 hours and covered all of their hits. About a year or more ago I was listening to some of the old songs here on RU-vid. Saw a cover version of '25 or 6 to 4' by Leonid & Friends and was hooked. Leonid & Friends play Chicago songs like they are the original studio recordings and are so spot on with everything. When I need a Chicago fix I listen to Leonid & Friends along with the originals from the band Chicago. Pure sonic heaven. Glad to see Leonid & Friends get the recognition they deserve.

Amazing to see the story behind the creation. You guys are amazing. We need music to bring us all together & realize war is not the answer. People across boundaries actually have more in common than we realize. America loves you guys. My favorite song you do, “ I’m a man.”❤❤❤

Igor is what metronomes use to keep time.

I am in awe of this band.

Horns, yea! Another awesome group, Tower of Power, 50 years of great high energy music. This brings new life back to us .

I brought my wife here from Moscow. The scenes at the beginning are familiar. And being a musician myself. Trust me, these musicians know what they are doing. Very impressive. My wife and I love what they do.

This is so well done and a must see. These guys came to Greensburg PA last summer. I spent the afternoon with them doing their sound check, and then a fabulous show after. What a great bunch of people. They make the world a better place to be.

To find this group by accident three years ago at a Thanksgiving get together was only the start... What was more amazing was their approachability through social media. We Americans love our music and admire the musicians who do it exceptionally... Leonid answered all my questions about who they were and what he envisioned for the future of his dream. I mentioned that I wished he could bring the band here. He replied that it is “every Russian musicians dream to play to an American audience”... Two years later he announced a US tour. My chance to see them was realized in Clearwater Beach last year and again here in Orlando. Through the social media I have gotten to know them more as friends and even a few of their family members. What awesome people, and to see how similar they are to us in their love and appreciation of music. Andrei, Oleg, Maxim, Ksenia, Serge and Sergey all have said how much they loved the people here and the desire to return... Amen...

I enjoyed every moment of this. Getting to know more about these extraordinary musicians was amazing. I was fortunate enough to meet them when they played in Vegas and they are such kind, down to earth, and ridiculously talented individuals. I hope the recognition for them continues to grow. ❤️❤️❤️

That was one of the best hours I spent watching a video. What a journey!

I am a huge fan, I am 65 years old, I was a musician (guitar) I grew up with Chicago (CTA), BS&T, Earth Wind and Fire, all these people are old like me and to suddenly here it's all recreated by a band from Russia????? I have never understood how people from different countries with what I would call strong accents can sing in English and sound like Americans ??? How does that happen? Music transcends nationalities there are things we all identify with with. A good rhythm, bass line, great vocals, lead line. I studied classical guitar Sabicas and fell in love with Jobim at 15 but on my bed room wall was 12 foot poster of Chicago, I was a huge fan of BS&T. It was the power of the horns I love how Leonid & Friends has brought that sound back ... all I have to say is thank you. I saw Chicago live in my hometown twice. You could listen to any British band and they sounded like they were from America? You listen to Leonid they sound American until they stop playing and give an interview and they are clearly Russian or eastern Europe ... how does that happen? I download everything they do ... oh and I pay for it..... They are like the few groups who still do stuff from Glenn Miller or the Andrews sisters of my fathers time. The best thing that we can do is pass it on!

I saw them live twice this week, and here I am just a few days later watching all their videos - again. The songs never seem to get old. If anything, with L&F, they all have new life to them. I beg you, if you’re on the fence about seeing them live, go. You won’t regret it. As amazing as the videos are, they’re fantastic live.

One of the greatest bands anywhere. Thanks

FANTASTIC! So happy to know about this wonderful band. It makes me so happy to hear the music of my youth coming back to life today.

Would love to see them take their string section, and blast out an ELO song, or two, or three...

Their sound like the original is so soothing to the heart and soul. Thank you Dick Laing for putting this together.

Love the passion and authenticity of their musical performances. Inclusion of Tower of Power songs would be spectacular.

These ultra-talented folks have the Heart and Soul of the Best of the late 60's and 70's! Keep going!

I still remember where I was. I was living high in the Sierras in 2015 and we had a massive snowstorm and I was up on my rooftop deck shoveling feet of snow while listening to RU-vid on autoplay. There comes "Brand New Love Affair" -- so perfect, and yet I knew it wasn't Terry Kath singing. I remember ripping off my gloves off in the freezing cold and digging for my phone to see who had recorded this. It wasn't just that it was done so perfectly-- it was also the question, "who on earth has the sophistication to know and care about a deep track like "Brand New Love Affair?" I have been hooked ever since...

Just to put an asterisk on how talented a singer Serge is - during his rendition of George Michael's One More Try, you hear him hit the note naturally on the line "Touch You" that George Michael had to hit in falsetto 😊

An amazing story. I listen to tons music new and old. To me this is the best band out there. The music and now the story behind the scene. Thank you for making documentary of "the greatest band in the world doing a tribute of one of the greatest bands ever!"

My fav band on the planet and this documentary is brilliantly produced, the narrative script is perfect (and wonderful delivery from narrator) and overall just lifts my spirit. As a retired producer/musician this goes in my keeper file.

Such an amazing story! Wow. Music truly is a universal language. This is one of the most incredibly talented bands on the planet! I'm happy to hear they will continue playing/touring in 2020. I am a forever fan! Thank you for sharing this video with all of us.

This is a fantastic and thorough profile of a great group. Love that the comments by Chicago’s Robert Lamm, Walt Parzaider, Danny Seraphine, Blood Sweat & Tears’ David Clayton Thomas and the late Allen Willis, composer of Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” are included. очень хорошо!

Their September is beautiful....again and again I say, they are so crystal clear with their harmony....

One cannot overstate how talented each of these musicians are! On top of that, no one, unlike several members of Chicago, feels the need to be in the spotlight. They are all about the music, and they are superb!

the best band of 2020, they are not Humans, can't be... they are incredible good....

Regardless of what an amazing band L&F is, Dick, what a production you made,,,, Excelent!! Congrats!!.

I saw them live during their 2019 USA Tour and the commentary in this film is right - they sound PERFECT live. I can't wait to see them again.

Having attended the 2019 tour, I must say the live show was a dream come true!

Over the top....you guys put such joy in my heart...such passion is seen ad felt...thank you!

It's amazing to hear the story behind your love for the music. Incredible story. I had no idea that western music was banned in the recent past. You guys are incredible!

Exceptional!!! Simply Amazing Musicianship, Arrangements, and Vocals. Proving once again Music is a Universal Language! Thank you!!! 👏👏👏 Bravo! ❤

I'd love to know their reactions to the first time they all met together and rehearsed, and when they went on stage for their first number.

I find myself, after hearing Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire as well as B,S,T's, my entire life, I appreciate the integrity and effort to play the Music as it was recorded. Most of us don't want too much artistic license with a song we know, just give it to us *Straight-Up!* Love it, the Soundtrack to My Life!

Leonid and friends are great musicians. I love how they sound. Flawless musicianship.

Funny true stories: The first song I heard by these guys was After the Love is gone by EW&F. I thought they were lip syncing! Also, I never owned one Chicago album before and never realized how many good songs they actually recorded until I listened to this band perform them.

Oh my! The BEST, playing the best! Bringing back Brass (section) Rock to face off against, and demolish digital drivel and crap-rap.... Outstanding! Reviving BS&T, CTA, Ides, et al..... brilliant. Doing it with such style and verve....priceless! Matters not where you come from; great music by tremendous musicians is timeless and universal. Thank you so much .

My wife and I have just become acquainted with your group... Let me say, as a composer, there is no mystery as to how you appeal to people around the world... You are all very talented and can reproduce a remarkable, original sound like the Groups you are singing covers to... thank you so much ( Leonid especially) 🎸🎹🎺🎻

At about 44:30 a songwriter said the greatest lesson to be learned is never the lyrics get in the way of the GROOVE, a great song’s GROOVE, the music and melody line and rhythm. Sometimes nonsense words are BEST. Just keep the rhythm going, what ever you do, what ever it takes!

I like that Igor was wearing a Summerfest T-shirt when he was with Danny Seraphine.

I can’t wait to see them. Hopefully in Durham, NC in May 2022. Praying it happens. Awesome video to introduce my 22 year old son to the music that spoke to me when I was a kid

I’m blown away by this “Ferrari” of talents! Excellent documentary.

I am so glad I discovered this group on you tube. I grew up with all this music and cannot get enough of their incredible talent and enthusiasm creating and playing these songs for all of us. Keep it up Leonid and Friends and I will look forward for you to tour my area of Southern California soon. Thank you. 😊

I think of the thousands of hours of practice each one of them has invested, over many years, perfecting their craft, while also living their everyday lives, and it fills me with admiration and respect.

You Guys Are AWESOME, I grew up 70s 80s listening to Chicago , They are my greatest band and I thank you for making their music not only sound better but try hard to fill their shoes and you do Much Success to all of you, Live the DREAM

I find myself here often getting lost in this beautiful music I just hope I have the chance to see these guys LIVE,I'm 72 so I've got to do it sooner than later,but until then,I have my headphones and you tube

Me emociona tanta calidad y amor por la forma en que cada uno ejecuta su instrumento . nada fuera de tiempo , nada discordante solo el sonido puro y exacto de la interpretación de que se trate . en verdad que los integrantes de la Banda Chicago ( de la cual he sido Fan desde los 70s ) , sobre todo los originales :Jimy Pankow , Robert Lamm , Lee Loughne deben de sentirse Honrados con este homenaje de tal calidad . Mis felicitaciones para Leonid y todos los integrantes de su Banda . ojala y sigan produciendo esta Musica de calidad insuperable . un deleite para mis oidos . Saludos desde Sabinas , Coahuila Mexico .

Thanks to All you musicians Especially the one who transcribed all this music on paper. You're AMAZING, a Music Superstar

Just amazing, thank you for a much needed behind the scenes, get to know the band video. A great compliment to "the story so far" with more depth.

This band bio is perfect and long overdue. They are truly a phenomenon!

So nice to hear!!! ...Moscow's answer to "The Wreaking Crew" ?? These folks are fantastic and obviously having fun!!!

There is no reason for people to enemies! Let music heal our world!!

Fantastic insight into a group of very talented musicians and just good all around people. I saw Leonid and Friends in concert in Chicago about 3 months ago. I was blown away at the show as was the rest of the sellout crowd. Can't wait to see them again here in Chicago in June! Congrats to the band, and thank you!

Un verdadero placer ver y escuchar trabajar juntos a este grupo de excelentes músicos con tanta sinergia. El ingeniero de sonido merece también un gran aplauso.

I love this wonderful band! Real musicians, and what a backstory they have. This documentary is a joy. And I wonder who the voiceover gal is? A real pro with a gorgeous voice.

A-MA-ZING!! I saw them Sunday night in Portland. I knew a little about the history but had NO idea the depth of their talent before Leonid and Friends. More impressed than ever and will remember my fortunate front row experience forever. :)

Leonid and friends sound better than the originals to me. The band is so tight and perfect.

EXCELENTES MÚSICOS Y MUY BUENAS VOCES.UNA HISTORIA DE LA MEJOR MÚSICA. SALUDOS DESDE SAN LUIS POTOSÍ MÉXICO.🐓👌👍👌👍👌👍👌

Saw them recently in Idaho, just WOW!!! Such talented musicians! So glad I found them on my Utube feed! Please come back again! Can't wait!!! Until then, keep playing, and singing! The world needs you!!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Ksenia, lov your voice, & your smile!

When I first heard them playing music from Chicago I was away from my laptop,I had to run to see them and they sounded better than the band Chicago, I love them,they are so awesome,so amazing, I hope that someday I will get to see them live, So amazing performers, truly blessed with so much talent. Thank You Leonid & Friends!

Just way too awesome for words. Ksenia Buzina is too beautiful. I've played with the best on stage with hit makers from the 60 70 80 90s and this group would be my bucket list for sure. Please call me i will not disappoint. Awesome group. Love these guys.

I just discovered this band from a comment on a Hindley Street Country Club video. Your musicianship is impeccable and you have found a new fan!

I found this band on RU-vid about 3 years ago and finally saw them in Ft. Myers Florida this last April and they blew me away. They’re just as good live as they are in the studio and literally play Chicago, EWF and Blood Sweat & Tears verbatim. It brought back so many great feelings listen to the music I grew up on and they’re just so talented. Thank you for this documentary and letting me know more about the artist and their backgrounds. I want to see them again. 😄👍🏻

Increíble banda, me quitó el sombrero ante estos músicos y no me lo pongo más, son excelentes han hecho un gran trabajo con los temas de Chicago que cierro los ojos al oírlos y lo que siento es Chicago puro, para mí todos son clase A, pero tengo un especial elogio para los metales en general es en ellos donde está el principal sello de la banda Chicago, los cantantes formidables además de la voz femenina que es magnífica y bella la dama, el baterista magnífico con gran maestría sobre el instrumento y por último a su director Leonid por hacer este excelente trabajo, los sigo tema tras tema, felicidades.

Thanks for this! Their sound takes you to another place where nothing matters but the music.

Thanks for sharing this love story. Leonid is indeed a genius with a team of the world's greatest musicians. This music is indeed infectious and doesn't need a vaccine. Let's keep spreading the love ❤️. Well done Leonid and Friends

Can't wait to see them live someday! 😎✌️❤️

I found these folks a couple of months ago. They are truly amazing musicians and singers.

My Gosh..I said this once I'll say it again this special group of people is truly amazing, incredible their talent.. their amazing voices they're like takeing all these American bands and replicating them there's no limit like to what they can do America had Shanana which was pretty awesome but these people took their talents and didn't go to the moon they went beyond Pluto their voice range and talents has no limits WOW..!! I share your video's with others and their just as blown away as I am Thank You for sharing your video's and special talents These music's is my era all of them ooooh what can I say Beautiful......!!!!

in a word ..................... WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you

Making history like those musical groups that are kept in our memory for many years to come. Good Job Leonid & Friends, every one of you deserve this honor.

I just found this band on You Tube a few months ago. Totally love listening to them. Next time there in Texas I plan to see them live.