Chicagovich

I have watched this talent on YouTube and fell in love! They nail every song. They are able to do what even most bands cannot do once out of the studio and that is to capture and repeat every note, every tempo etc as originally recorded in studio. Chicago for me was the represation of growing up in the 70's. It was my favorite band - the horns/brass was what attracted me to begin with in the 70's ...extraordinary sound. Every single musician, vocalist is an artist and supremely talented. And English is not their first language. Cannot top that!!!

Fantastic cover better than the originals. These musicians are at the top of their game and duplicate the original recordings note for note. I was a big follower of Chicago and I'm proud to say I'm now a big follower of Leonid and Friends. I've seen them live three times and their live presentations are even better than their recordings. When was the last time you saw a band and could say that?

So well done and such great musicianship. Breathe new life into these classics!! L&F are simply amazing and always Make Me Smile!

Professional experienced gifted Russian musicians who have meticulously and faithfully reproduced the rich melodic harmonies and brassy soul of one of Americas legendary and timeless classic 70’s bands. It is such a genuine relief to know that while American music has since been dumbed down and actual musicians largely replaced by dancing prancing no-talents, this group has energetically resurrected a much loved music genre largely forgotten by the young and the music ‘money men’ of today. If you have gray hair and a soul, chances are this is a musical gasp of fresh air and an echo of better days gone by. If you have ears...this is what real music sounds like.

They are more than either of these terms can define. Living in Vegas I’ve seen my share of tribute acts - these guys are so much more. Their utter dedication to Chicago’s unique sound already sets them apart but even more so is their demonstrative love for music that bridges a gap that spans language and culture. Utilizing several lead vocalists, Leonid and Friends are able to capture the true essence of Chicago, their music, their style, and the era and they do so with the charm and unique flavor that only their slight Russian accents can bring. EVERY musician involved in this and the follow up album is ridiculously skilled in their craft. I strongly recommend the album AND taking the time to search them out live in your area as well as their filmed recording sessions on YouTube. You won’t regret it.

These guys are that good. These songs are ALL just as good as the originals, and some are even better. Begin with the song that started it all, “Brand New Love Affair”. Vasily’s vocals in the second part are FAR superior. Wow, does that guy have a voice. Igor, the percussionist, is utterly rock solid, and the foundation of every track. The rest of the ensemble are, quite simply, amazing musicians. Listen to 25 or 6 to 4. Go to YouTube and watch the video. 1. Wow, was Chicago an amazingly tight band. 2. You’ll understand why Chicago’s guitar player bragged that Hendrix told him that he was a better player. Buy this!

I had ALL of Chicago’s vinyl recordings from Chicago Transit Authority to the re-released ‘Best Of Chicago’. Then they all were stolen. And now I’ve found them again in Leonid and Friends! The vocals of Terry Kath, so long ago departed, are beautifully recreated on this album. It’s evident that these guys are real musicians. I can’t wait until they tour the Southern U.S.

They are the real deal. The songs gave an original feel with an updated beat.

Awesome album. Close my eyes and can see the orginal band. Spectacular. Well done, Leonid and Friends.

I think most fans of this incredible Chicago tribute band share the same introductory experience: 1. We saw one of their videos on social media. 2. We were immediately impressed with the professional musicianship and faithful renditions of a beloved songwriting powerhouse of ‘70’s American radio. 3. We were FLOORED when we realized these incredible musicians are from the opposite side of the Earth, from which the original music was created. I have no shame in admitting that my music collection regrettably did not contain even one album from Chicago. I grew up listening to bands like Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Van Halen; I would have never imagined myself listening to Chicago with the same level of passion or intense interest. Until now. When we think of the internet in this day and age it typically brings to mind terms like “fake”, “divisive”, or “partisan”. Rarely do we see it as a way of bringing people together. Music is the UNIVERSAL language, and Leonid and his musical family have done something truly amazing: - They’ve introduced new fans to the beautifully intricate and inspiring music of one of America’s true musical treasures. - They’ve used the power of the internet for a wholesomely positive and inspiring purpose: bring people together. - They’ve created a means to bring joy and happiness to complete strangers all around the world. I was fortunate to see them on their first tour of the United States in Dallas this past weekend, the first of hopefully many. I was smiles all night long, as were every face in the theater. And I made some new friends, thanks to Leonid & Friends. I hope this is the start of a very long career for these gifted performers, one that allows new fans and long time fans of Chicago to keep enjoying these wonderful songs from some brilliant musicians, and wonderful people from Russia. This is a MUST have album for any Chicago fan, and should be on the list of go to albums for any music aficionados who appreciate artists in the tribute / cover scene in the industry. On a purely selfish note, BUY this album, that way Leonid & Friends can keep coming back to perform in the United States!!!!