Leonid & Friends: "Make Me Smile" (Drummer's Cut)
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- čas přidán 23. 09. 2019
- Founder drummer with jazz-rock group Chicago, Danny Seraphine has much respect for tribute band Leonid & Friends' drummer, Igor Javad-Zade. Here, they both play James Pankow's classic "Make Me Smile" at different times, at different venues and with different bands, but when you marry Danny's performance to Igor's drum track from Leonid & Friends, the amazing synchronicity between the two of them is such that you could be forgiven for thinking they were at the same gig!
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Danny Seraphine to me, Danny Seraphine is one of the greatest drummer I've ever seen. As I'm a basssist, he's been one of my dream drummer ...
I think I listened to Make Me Smile about 10,000 times in high school, air drumming to it, until I learned to be a drummer in my late teens. Danny Seraphine was my hero (along with Bobby Colomby of BS&T) ever since I heard Buddy Rich praise him on the Johnny Carson show. Igor Javad-Zade along with the fantastic musicians of Leonid & Friends have made me smile all through the pandemic. What brilliant, loving, players.
Igor is FABULOUS and like all
Naturals, he makes it look easy.
He’s driving this huge band to
Near perfection😃🙏💎❤️❤️❤️🐥
Truly, my ears could not tell the difference. Danny and Igor... WOW.
It was nice to see Danny S. When every one was talking up John Bonham, and Kieth Moon, I was praising Danny. Igor effortlessly simulates Danny. Igor you are now my favorite. Love your music. "огромное спасибо"
I have always loved Chicago (being originally from a suburb of Chicago myself), however when they lost their original drummer (Danny Seraphine) their Lead singer and Bassist (Peter Cetera) and Lead guitarist (Terry Kath) they really became a cover band of their former self. Listening to Leonid & Friends play Chicago songs better than the current line up for Chicago does is epic, their precision and heart is second to none.
I've been watching and enjoying Leonid & Friends now for over a year and I am more blown away by them every time I see and hear them. Igor is absolutely fantastic and I am a drummer since I was 10 or 11 and I'm 76 now! Back in the 1960's Steve Gadd and I were given guidance and instruction by the same legendary instructor Mr. Bobby Thompson. Steve and I have talked about this a few times. I am subscribing to your channel and look forward to seeing more of your offerings. From one drummer to another I give you all my best!!! Bob Love, Los Angeles, CA
It was 1970 - I was ten years old. My older sister had a record player and a 45 of Make Me Smile. I would listen to the song dozens of times, and then dozens of times I would pick up the needle and place it down on the part of the 45 where the drum solo was. I'd do it over and over. I was so enthralled by the drumming that I went to my parents and proclaimed - "I want to be a drummer." They said no - they're too noisy in the house. That was that.
Wonderful to see!❤ I love this video and concur with all the positive comments and persons here! Above all -- a combo of sheer LOVE ❤💕🎼🎶🎵 and respect for the pivotal work and musicianship of the composers & precedents/founders of this wonderful music! My wholehearted, loving thanks!🤗💖🎈💕
Having viewed just about every Leonid and Friends videos, I kept being amazed at Igor Javad-Zade. I never really focused on drummers until him and it's like he's playing a better drum solo than those tired solos you hear so often. I think he's the best drummer I've ever heard.
Danny Seraphine is the kind of artist who does not let ego destroy the art. By his selfless and sincere appreciation of other musicians, he shows the musical world what real class is. It's not bling. It's not bravado. It's confident enjoyment. Something that gets passed along to everyone who watches and listens. We need more people like that in all art.
FANTASTIC COVER BAND....REMEMBER CHICAGO...EARTH, WIND & FIRE....GREAT TRIBUTE...VOCALS...MUSICIANS...PRODUCERS...EVERYTHING.......
As a Drummer Myself, IGOR is Amazing in His Technique & Always Spot On !! I LOVE IGOR as a Fellow Drummer. He's Sensational !! Leonid & Friends are Such Classy & Professional Musicians, Frankly, When I Found Them on CZcams, I Could Not Stop Watching !!!!!! LOVE THEM !! My Father Played TENOR SAX, so I'm Partial to the BRASS !! THANKS, EVERLASTING FOR ALL THEY Do To BRING MUSIC to the WORLD & SUCH AMAZING TALENTED MUSICIANS...............THE JUST FREAKIN' R O C K !!!!!!
Not to Discount DANNY, What Can Be Said of His Skills & Delivery ?? AWESOME IN EVERY FACET of His MUSICAL ENDEAVORS !! LOVED HIM FROM DAY ONE & ALWAYS WILL BE ONE of MY DRUMMING HEROES !! THANKS & LOVE DANNY For ALL the YEARS of SPECTACULAR MUSICIANSHIP & PROFESSIONALISM. LOVE YA' DANNY !!
As a retired professional drummer who has opened for Cheap Trick, Berlin and The Romantics...I have said on multiple posts on CZcams and Facebook that Igor is the real deal. An amazing drummer that I totally appreciate every note he plays...I am a huge fan of Leonid and Friends and Igor is a HUGE part of that!
I think most drummers watch him and appreciate how he flawlessly incorporates the style, personality, and syncopation of the piece and original percussionist he is portraying.
I, for one, am drawn to his professionalism like a moth to a flame.
Danny's setup looks so complicated - more drums and cymbals that Igor, and yet Igor's sound is just like Danny's original Chicago recordings. Makes me (I'm not a musician, but have been a big fan of Chicago since 1971) wonder how he does it.
Anyone that would question Igor's talents is deaf.
why would you brag about bands you weren't in?
Igor is so "Deep in the pocket" that if you filled them with pennies, he could pay off global debt and have enough left over to solve world hunger too.
I am not a musician; however, as a young teen in the early 70's I bought the Chicago II album and played it on my cassette player almost every night for a couple of years (until the tape wore out). It is ingrained in my psyche. As I listened, I would always imagine that I was the drummer who was delivering those incredible licks that drove this passionate music. I have heard Chicago play those same songs numerous times over the years since then, but they were never the same as the studio version on that album. It wasn't just different, something of the heart and soul of the songs was missing (in those pre-Internet days, I did not know that Terry Kath had died and that Danny was later driven from the band). When I stumbled upon Leonid and Friends just a few days ago I was ecstatic. The band captured the EXACT energy of the original recording in amazing detail. But what really caught my attention was Igor's performance. Those drum licks that I had heard a thousand times before matched Danny Seraphine's rendition exactly. I am not surprised that you are able to lay those two tracks down in a video editor and play them side-by-side so harmoniously. In fact, I wish that you would have done that - laid them side-by-side on the screen for the whole song without all of the quick cuts back and forth. But I'm not complaining, this was still a fun video to watch for a fan like me. Thanks for posting this, Dick.
They are dynamite. Saw them live in 2019. In addition, they are very nice people. Igor is particularly modest. I told him how great he was and he replied "I try". Great guy!
I have been a drummer for over 40 years. Igor is unbelievably fantastic. I am such an overnite fan of the band in whole but listening to those drums just makes me want to continue to play!!!
I really like this.....the first album I ever bought with my own money as a teen.... Chicago Transit Authority. So these cover songs really do bring back happy memories. Leonid & Friends are AWESOME!
Make me Smile - exactly how I feel every time I hear Leonid and Friends play. What joy.
Absolutely right 👍👍👍👍
Listening Leonid & Friends gives us the impression That life is begining again.
Great description.
That's true...it is restorative. And it may not be the same if it's the same people...this much precision and heart is the ultimate compliment to the original. It memorializes it.
To call these guys a "Chicago Tribute Band" would be an insult. Their professionalism, precision, and perfectionism in adhering to the original music and doing it the justice it deserves are just uncanny. I think it better to call them the second coming of Chicago!
Yas or the second coming of Russia lol! Sorry Chicago love Leonoid better!
What's really interesting is SoundHound pretty much always identifies their music as being played by Chicago
Completely agree. These guys (and gals) are so much more.
A bunch of old Russian guys that can kick the crap out of any talentless rapper...
Now if they could write Chicagoesque songs and play it, that would be the best, it would then be accurate to say they are Chicago's second coming.
Chicago was always my favorite band. First saw them at the Fillmore East in NYC in 1968 where they opened for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. They played all of the songs from CTA beginning with Introduction and right on through the album. Next was Buddy Miles. He was OK. Finally came Zappa. I walked out on his show and waited for my friends in the lobby because after I heard Chicago I couldn't listen to anything else....until 50 years later when I discovered Leonid & Friends and was BLOWN AWAY. It was like hearing Chicago again for the first time. I was 16 again!
It was/is ah new "BEGINNINGS" ❣💓❣ Loved them Then, Love Them NOW !!!! 🥁🎷🎺🎸🎻🎹🎤🎵🎶
Exactly how I feel everytime I listen to Leonid n friends songs❤️❤️❤️ fantastic n they make me very happy watching n hearing them👏👏👏👏👏
They play with the energy that Chicago lost after Terry died
You wrote it, while I was thinking the same thing.
😔
No drugs involved.
Man you are so right
Terry's spirit lives on with these gentlemen and lady. They are absolutely amazing with how spot on they are
I too, am a new fan of this band. They take me back to the 60's. I originally started listening to Chicago because of the mixing of horns,piano, vocals and the heartbeat of the band, the drums of Senor Danny Seraphine! I have a whole playlist of Chicago's music. Now, I am setting one up one for Leonid n Friends. I believe that there at least 4 or 5 members that could stand in front and take the lead, including the very beautiful young "Lady Z"! I first heard their rendition of Tower Of Power's So very hard to go. I was floored. I'm hooked!
Danny Seraphine is Legend. Playing with them, he must've felt as though he was transported back in time! 😎
I thought the same thing until I watched a few videos of Danny with California Transit Authority
These guys are transporting Danny's work and Chicago into the future.
Unbelievable I am not a drummer nor a percussionist but Igor is right up there to see him play along with Danny Seraphine is magic. Thank you for allowing me to witness this phenomenon
Igor makes it look so easy. I can't get over watching him play such complicated and exacting music while he looks like he could be watching TV at the same time. Everyone in this band is so talented. It is like going back in time or better yet, starting over. Sincerely, Carly
I’ve never sat at a drum set and LOVE to watch and hear your videos…. Dabbled with guitar and then piano for 7 years but never with the dedication, knowledge, talent that I see here! So much fun to have a glimpse into this world!!!!
I am just blown away. But a musician can tell the difference, tempo is slightly faster, notes are crisper all in all this is the BEST tribute band in the world bar none! PERFECT!
I was never a Chicago fan. I stumbled on Leonid & friends covering "Spinning Wheel" and holy crap. I am now a complete L&F fan, and more to the point, they have opened my eyes to the greatness that was Danny Seraphine and Chicago back in the day. Leonid & Friends, all of them, are world class musicians and what they do is sublime. Being a drummer, Igor just sends me. I am in awe of his skill.
Thank you for sharing!
Same with me, never cared for Chicago.........but 50 years later I do!!!!
Spinning Wheel was Blood Sweat & Tears!
@@alcraig1 lol
@@arfshesaid4325 what's so funny?
@@alcraig1 just life , cracks me up, and Spinning wheel has imo, a top five greatest ever drum break in it. it wasnt totally confirmed in the original post that Spinning wheel was done by Chicago .....thats kinda funny too, they got air play at almost the exact same time
The first love of my life like gazillions of people, was of course The Beatles, then many other bands came into my life, as an example: Steely Dan and many others. Over the sudden and by accident I clicked in a video, it was love at the first sight and sent to all my friends tow atch as well. Leonid and Friends today are the ones I cherish the most, crazy about to see a show alive (one day)... I love their story, how the began, I love the quality found in each individual musician, very amazing. What they do, somehow is a vision of a dream I have since childhood, having a band to play good and quality music, if it is for money it is OK with me, but the cash is not my greatest ambition, what I want as an a chievement and reward, is to have a group of guys, maybe retired (unless they need the cash, and I will finance if I can), play the good music, pass thru the generations ahead, what was like to have lived in the 70's, there is where the fun could be found, the bands of that time made history and inspire us forever. I knew about Chicago, but due to radios changes in their format lately and embracing shitty music, the new generation ddn't have the chance of being hooked to this music, and even knowing the Band Chicago, there are too many songs I didn't hear, but thanks to Leonid and Friends I am updating my knowledge. Pretty soon I will be doing the same like these guys do, my own band with this format, and have lots of fun. The place where I am staying in Brazil, there are some festivals, and in the near future if i may, I will find a way to bring them to play here, and not far from now, I am about to have some results in business ventures and there is a chance I could do it. Keep up your good work spreading news about them,. Thanks to you and the entire band.
I grew up listening to Chicago in their early days (pre David Foster). Their unique jazz/rock fusion style of music defined them and introduced a generation to a genre that lives on today!
When I discovered Leonid & Friends on YT, I was thrilled and overjoyed to hear others capture and continue the original sound of Chicago! Forever a Chicago fan! Much respect to L&Fs!
Cetera was part of the original line-up, wasn't he?
Hans Kuijsten my mistake. Yes he was. He was in the band in 1967.
Hans Kuijsten
Yes. A couple of things happen in 1978, the band members were becoming disillusioned with producer, James William Guercio.
Then Terry Katy’s accidental death, and financial revelations occurred. Guercio was able to build Caribou Ranch with his large cut of the band’s finances (>30%), leaving each band member only 10%. Doc Severinsen convinced the band to try and stay together. Phil Ramone produced the “Hot Streets” album ... but the group’s loss of Kath (lead guitar, vocals) and Guercio (producer) ripped out their 1970s sound. David Foster had early success of reviving the group - but his preference has always been (and continues to be) soloists.
Peter Cetera (bass, tenor vocals) eventually left the group for his solo career. Removing Danny Serephine (drums) eliminated the group’s original rhythm section - and its ability to recapture its original sound lost by 1990. The reason given to Serephine (losing musical ability, health) should be applied today to the remaining 4 founding members (varying degrees of ability lost, some missing dates).
I didn't know they even existed until a couple of weeks ago. They just played about 40 miles from me. Hopefully, there's a next time and I get the opportunity to see them live. The musicianship is amazing!
As a kid and a drummer growing up in the same neighborhood as Danny I remember seeing him playing at the holiday ballroom. He was 15 years old and played like he had been playing for 20 years , he was just Great, but what a punk, love you Danny.
Danny plays so smoothly and effortlessly. He's simply amazing.
I have to admit, this made me cry at 4:07 when Danny says "they are my friends" and you see Igors eyes, what a beautiful and emotional moment!
Good catch!
I still don’t understand why Chicago got rid of Danny. His drumming always added so much to the music. Still does.
The book by Danny Seraphine answers a lot of questions, it’s a worthy read for a Chicago fan.
Street Player: My Chicago Story
Book by Danny Seraphine
They weren't man enough to tell him to his face, they had Danny's agent tell him that he is fired after 20 years
@@AAA-yr4lm reminds me of Pete Best. COWARDS!!🥁
Love this video, love this song, love this band. Thank you A million likes.
They play the music with such heart and soul! So beautiful ~ Leonid and friends are GREAT!!!
Absolutely spot on. Leonid & Friends are the real deal when it comes to music!
Out f'n standing! Takes so many of us back to the days of our youth! ROCK ON GUYS!!! 😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Igor Javad_Zade is an amazing drummer. He impressed me long ago. From his soft jazz-influenced drumming in Brand New Love Affair, without the overpowering kick drum (aka 'gorilla foot' according to Ed Shaughnessy) to the incredibly busy, and accurate, hard-driving beats on Free. He does it so effortlessly and with humility. Igor is the ultimate human drum machine!
Igor Javad Zadeh was a drummer in the Arsenal ensemble in his youth.The Arsenal ensemble has always played musicians of the highest level! Простите, не знаю вашего языка.
Fenominal!!! So great to see and hear Danny Seraphine play again! Long time fan of Chicago and love what L and F has brought back!!
I feel their energy. It is contagious. Rock on fellas.
Thank you for this. Former drummer here and I’m in awe of how tight and accurate these two are! I guess music is truly a universal language.....
Danny you are loved, brother! ❤️❤️ 🥁🥁I love watching you in that Tanglewood ‘70 concert. Igor you keep the legacy alive.
Igor is absolutely the best drummer. Flawless playing.
Oh man, this made me smile for sure! Great contribution!
I love listening to these guys.
WOW.................. Thank you!!. great Video!! I'm a huge fan of Chicago and Now a bigger fan of Leonid and Friends!!... Thank you for this Video!..
These guys just blew me away when I first heard them.... what friggin' talent.... Please come to Canada want to see you in concert...
Love them . No words to describe their genius.
Love them!!!
So many AMAZING Artists!
They are the BEST Cover Band,
E V E R!!!
I hope to see them in the States!!!
I have always loved Chicago since their start and I now love Lenonid & Friends just as much ... Fantastic ...
I have loved Chicago since they hit the airwaves in the late 60's. Have seen them many times in different venues. I feel very lucky to have seen them with Terry Kath playing guitar. Now since a Facebook friend posted a video of Leonid & Friends they are my new best cover band. Also, I did get to see Leonid & Friends live this summer in the US, a fantastic show. Great band, Thanks guys.
They were secretly posing as musicians so that they could come here to collude with Trump... 🤔
Just discovered these guys yesterday, and I can't stop watching them! Thanks for helping promote their journey , story and exceptional musicianship!
The first time I heard this band play I thought what a drummer .. He is so tight it hurts...Listening to this shows he has done his homework !!! I am converted...The rest of the band are superlative especially the lead guitar player , who does the Kath thing to perfection..Bought the albums....
We saw Danny Serephine's CTA and Leonid and Friends at the Arcada in St. Charles.....outstanding does not describe what took place that night.
Lucky you! What a cool venue!
Hi Tom, I was also there at that show.
You bet. I was there as well. What a night.
I saw them in Corpus Christi in Nov 2019. I was standing front and center 5 feet away from the band. Most memorable show I've been to in many years.
One BAND from heaven on high - this is stunning GIFTED - ALL OUT - devotion!
Thank you for sharing this awesome tribute video to the greatness of Danny Seraphine. He is an amazing drummer, the heartbeat of Chicago, and incredibly humle and nice person. You did a wonderful job of editing his parts. Leonid & Friends and Igor Javad-Zade play the Chicago catalog with an incredible level of accuracy and love. It makes my heart happy to see this level of love for a once incredible band that lost it's greatness when they fired Danny Seraphine. I must say, Chicago today does not sound as good as Leonid & Friends. Thanks for the video!
Excellent job, Mr. Laing. I am always taken by how incredible and tight these arrangements are. Thanks for highlighting how wonderful these musicians actually are.
A masterful piece of editing, bringing those two clips together and it shows, like you intended, how Igor has nailed every one of Danny's beats and riffs. Well done, Dick. I am loving watching this adventure of Leonid& Friends roll out and seeing their fan base grow. At 70, I was and still am a dedicated Chicago fan who still treasures all those faded tee shirts and vinyl with their iconic logo on it. Love this!!
Great tune, Great VIdeo.. As a now seasoned Drummer in my earlier years I Learned so much from Playing with Chicago Albums...
This has become my FAVORITE CZcams vid of all time. I watch it at least once a day and when I need a little lift. Thank you so much for the great editing and posting this masterpiece !! I'm 59 and vividly remember listening to this on WCAO in Baltimore when it came out and on dozens of stations and media since.
THE SECOND COMING: of Chicago. World-Class Skills and Pro Chops.
I love this drummer
This was the very first Chicago song I heard, played by a band at my 9th grade dance in 1970. I was immediately hooked on Chicago (and I mean I was an addict and Chicago was my drug). Bought and wore out the vinyls. Still think their cover of I'm A Man is the best, ever.
To this day my favorite bands to play with are horn bands. Chicago is what I cut my teeth on. Love both drummers and groups.
Same! Horns and drums!
Nothing comparas to the power a good horn section brings to the table
I have been following them since their first CZcams video. What an absolute revelation.
Phenomenal! Yep.... makes me smile and dance, even when I'm sitting down.
Awesome guys. Music from my youth..
Dick!!! I love this.....Thanks so much for your films.... I am envious of your ability to interact with these wonderful people..... It's pure joy listening to them and I am anxious to see them in person.
From Toronto Hi...what a band!!
Igor is a savage , he drives that band hard .. much respect to Leonid and friends , Danny is the man 😎🇺🇸⚓️
Danny Seraphine, mi maestro de drums.👍👍👍👍👍
My recent exposure to these incredibly talented musicians, wow. So fantastic 👍👌😎👏👏👏
Nothing better than enjoying a great work, only to have a commercial pop up right in the middle.
Covid GO AWAY! We've Got to see this band LIVE!
I've found Leonid and friends on CZcams and since that moment on I admire the music they are producing! For shure Igor...his drums are a natural part of this good man. Like we are relaxing in our seat,he produces Music! I feel a lot of admiration for a man who plays his instrument like he does!!!! Only wish that I could do that too....🖖👍👍👍🖖
Great music spans the oceans!
This guys are angels...even when I don't believe in angels...!!!!!
I loved early Chicago music. So cool to see Igor wearing a Summer Fest shirt. Go Milwaukee. Unfortunately I missed Leonid & Friends at last year's event.
I loved it! Two extraordinary drummers play one of Chicago's rockingest jams. It's a pleasure to hear Danny play.
One word...AWESOME!
Thanks Dick, for showing us, marriage "CAN" workout !! Thanks Man !! 👍
Absolutely, stunningly amazing‼️ I am a mega-fan of Leonid and comrades!! Cheers from the States! 💛🤗🙏🏼
Wonderful, just wonderful!
Oh yes. Heck yes. Awesome. AH SOME serious music. Love it. Great job to all involved. Never get tired of listening to them.
The key is, you cannot listen to this music and be sad. You guys kill it...
This is a treat for drummers everywhere! This is a meeting of two incredible drummers that we didn't know we needed!
Thank you for sharing this!!!
Classic, and very very good!, Play on!!
I’ve been following this amazing band for a while now and I love their Chicago stuff very much. Chicago has been my favorite band since Chicago transit authority and Peter and Danny were and still are my favorites.
Beautiful job!!
Been saying this for years. My first comment ever on CZcams from seeing their first video was, "DON"T EVER GET RID OF THAT DRUMMER " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Having been blessed to see the original Chicago lineup twice in New York City I can attest to the comments on CZcams here and on Leonid and Friends own CZcams channel. Danny Seraphine looks and sounds great behind the drum kit in this video and Igor Javad-Zade is more than a mere clone to Danny. Igor Leonid and Friends are keeping this genre of music alive and well and my hope is that other CZcams "cover" artists are also getting the recognition and praise from the original artists. Sina (from Germany) comes to mind with her covers that are as technically close to perfection behind the drum kit as well.
Thank you for posting, thumbs up and subscribed !
I just them in Annapolis, Md this past weekend. I can't tell you how much fun it was and how outstanding they are. I am a huge fan of Igor Jadav-Zade. He's just outstanding. Plus, the guy's favorite drummer is Billy Cobham, so not only is he a great drummer, he has great taste as well.
Leonid and Friends are so good the current band Chicago are in awe.
In my opinion Igor is one of the top drummers in the world today..
....simply amazing...
Next to Ronnie Tutt, Buddy Miles and Neal Peart and Vinny Appice, Igor is in my top 5 fav drummers ever. The man is a literal badass !
Oh, and BTW this video is cool AF ! Thank you for posting it.
OMG!!!! I just had an eargasm!!!! :)
Its really inspiring to see musicians around the world getting together with and about THE MUSIC and not some petty political machinations with such awesome results! BRAVO!