by Martine Ehrenclou
Leonid & Friends is an extremely tight, contemporary jazz-rock band from Moscow. Their cover tune, “25 or 6 to 4” by Chicago, might surprise you. It sure did me.
According to their Facebook page, Leonid Vorobyev decided to gather his musician friends to record one of his favorite cover tunes by the band, Chicago. The success of that one song led to seven more and the addition of even more musicians, which includes not just vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keys, but a full horn section, violin, and flute.
Vorobyev claims it was a crazy idea.
Not so crazy. This band rocks. Check them out.
On iTunes: goo.gl/Jj0409
Leonid & Friends Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Leonidandfriends/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5ZsXiIFlrWrbOCM6rEDKQ
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/leonidfriends
I was blown away.. My mouth is still wide open. WOW
Keith,
Glad you enjoyed them!
A lifelong Chicago fanatic. These guys are awesome
Bill,
Aren’t they amazing? So glad you like them. As a Chicago fanatic who approves they must really be good. Thanks for the comment.
I spread the awesome news to all my friends, I’ve seen Chicago and these guys are as good and maybe mildly better….can’t believe I just said that.
Bob,
Thanks for the comment. Lol! I kind of thought the same thing.
The best thing about them, is they seem to be having so much fun while completely “nailing” the music part of it.
Tim,
They sure do.
They’re soooo good! And talk about versatility! I’m totally dazzled. When will they be playing in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
this band is insane their musical prowess unreal i have to see these guys live that will really solidify how great this band is and that should be quite the experience when will they be touring in the detroit mich area thanks
this band is insane so good i have to see them live that will solidify how great they are i am a freak on chicago blood sweat and tears chase horn bands without equal when will they be touring in the detroit mi area thanks
Art,
Thanks for your comment. So glad you like them!
hello young lady thanks for your reply do you know if leonid and friends will be playing live near the detroit area anytime soon thanks again
Art,
I have no idea. But I bet you could find their website and look for their tour schedule. Good luck!
martine have you ever heard of the band lighthouse from canada they are one of my favorites they were so good horns strings a amazing lead singer bob mcbride look them up they were unreal thanks for your time take it easy
Art, I have not heard of the band Lighthouse. Will definitely check them out. Thanks for the tip.
I’ve been a major Chicago fan all my life. 25 or 6 to 4 was one the first 45 records I bought as a kid. I saw Chicago live for the first time in Bethel, NY two weeks ago. It was an incredible show — 30+ songs, mostly from the early albums. 25 or 6 to 4 was the show closer and they blew the roof off with it loud and live. What an incredibly difficult song to cover, and this cover is mind-blowing — every instrument and the vocals note for note and tempo and pitch perfect with the original record. So impressive. Very happy to see/hear such a talented band work so hard to help keep the early Chicago legacy alive. I’ll bet the real Chicago guys had to see this and were delighted. Thanks for sharing.
John,
Thanks for your comment. I saw Chicago too about 6 months ago for the first time. You’re right, they were amazing. Yes, indeed 25 or 6 to 4 is a hard song to cover and Leonid and Friends do it beautifully. You’re welcome!
hello again young lady have you had a chance to listen to the band lighthouse the tune one fine morning from 1971 is one of their best they are from toronto canada and were so good 13 piece band so worth looking into take it easy martine
Hi Art,
I have not yet. Thanks for the reminder!
Can you imagine concert dates at the Hollywood Bowl? I’ve got stage IV metastatic cancer, I would travel to Russia to see these guys.
Rick, So sorry to hear that. Hope you’re doing okay. Check out their tour schedule. Maybe they are playing somewhere near you.
When I first heard them on Youtube, I thought they were lip-syncing to a early-Chicago recording. And then I realized they were playing it themselves! I was astonished!
As someone who saw Chicago live at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve in 1971, I’ve idolized that group, with Terry Kath, Pete Cetera and Danny Seraphine, these folks are as good or better than the original group. Superb job!
John,
I thought they were too! Agreed, superb.
Absolutely fantastic band who do immense justice to tracks by one of the best bands in the world! Wow – what a find! I’ll certainly be featuring them regularly on my radio show here in South Africa! Terry Kath would be very impressed, and proud!!
Leon,
They are superb aren’t they?
they are incredibly Talented, Amazing, Musically Clean. The sound is phenomenal, The Voices are superior! They are an amazing group of talented individuals! Could listen to them day in and day out! I purchased Chicagovich, Compared them to the original, I am finding that they are equal if not better than the original in all aspects of the performances!
Doc,
Agreed, they really are amazingly talented and musically clean. Glad you enjoyed them!
Loved every minute !
I saw Chicago front row in 1978…L&F’s brought it all back … tremendous!
Have never heard a better cover band in my life other than Australian Pink Floyd
ooh Australian Pink Floyd is also pretty amazing. I wouldn’t want to rate one over the other! Both bands are so worth the cost of tickets and leave impressions long after the last notes!
Wow, big fat horns and an insane lead guitar. I’m in heaven! this band really rocks. the guitarist is everything i would aspire to be. been playing 2 years now but wish I could play like that. just awesome. From Nuneaton England- hope they come to the UK on tour.