"Leonid and Friends" Interview with Tom Caminiti, The Tall Italian!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- I found out about Leonid and Friends a few months ago from my friend, David Scott. He invited me to their concert in Fort Lauderdale, and I was blown away!
They're incredible musicians out of Russia that cover the music of the band Chicago and others, featuring a complete horn section! It's an incredible story, and I had to know more about how it began.
If you have a chance to see them, make sure you do! Check out the interview and leave your comments.
I'm sorry if I missed pronounced Leonid's name. I thought that's how Roman said it, and they didn't correct me.
My name is Tom Caminiti, and I was a radio DJ for many years in South Florida and I currently have an internet station called RockCityRadio.net
We rock you 24/7/365, and we're commercial free!
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By far this has been the best interview I've seen with Leonid and Roman. Great job, Tom! Leonid & Friends is a very talented and special band. One of best concerts I've been to . . extremely talented musicians and all-around good people.
Thank you. They gave great answers! I'm a big fan of their music, and they're great human beings, too!
If only this numbnuts knew Leonid's correct name. Leoni?
Excellent interview, Tom. You asked all the questions that I had for them myself and wanted to know! Thank you!
Thank you, Fred! What an incredible story! I'm very happy for Leonid and the entire band! It's nice to see some of the good people in life get rewarded!
@@tomcaminiti2430 Absolutely! Im happy for them, too! Incredible band and I hope to see them live one day.
Their recent cover of EWF’s Fantasy was phenomenal. Epic performance. ❤
Great interview … I have to see you live when you come to USA-Midwest (I’m in Colorado) … much respect to every member of your band, and listening to Ksenia makes my heart skip a beat.
I first saw this band in 2019 when they did Beginnings. I must have played it 100X. I can honestly say these guys are my favourite band. Amazing talent
I love them too! I've been watching a lot of their videos and playing their music! I hope I can help spread the word and get them even more friends. They're super talented and incredibly humble.
Mine also❤
@@tomcaminiti2430 couldn’t agree more😂❤❤❤
As a musician, I LOVE playing with older musicians, and I have since I was in my 20s. The older pros know what they like, they know how to deliver the emotional impact of a song, and they wouldn't be playing at that age if they didn't LOVE it. They have the experience and the passion. It's second nature to them. Leonid & Friends are only a surprise to audiences because US record labels and producers never sign artists who aren't in their 20s. It's a shame really, because the real pros are in their prime when they're a lot older. Leonid & Friends goes one step further though by having musicians of all ages. (I miss Sergey on guitar and vox!) It's something the American music industry has never seen before, and as usual, they don't know what to do, so they stand by and watch while L & F do everything on their own, and they do it better than they would if they had a major US label calling the shots.
It's always nice to see that talent still counts for something.
Hi there, very well written. Great insight and the truth! It's the world in which we live. People aren't judged by their talent. It's more about image or appearance. Talent is talent!
@@tomcaminiti2430 I had a friend who interned for CBS records in Nashville in 1987 or 88. He interviewed the president (the boss in Nashville anyway), and he told him the 4 things artists need are, in order of importance, 1) money, 2) good looks, 3) connections, and 4) (which was optional) talent.
But there have since been powerhouses who went the self-publishing way since then that the industry missed out on, like JayZ. Home studios and the Internet changed everything. L & F wouldn't have been the phenom they are without the Internet. We would never have heard of them here.
So I think talent means a little more today than it once did. If a band finds success as an indie (which requires real talent), the labels can only watch and wish...
Thanks for the reply!
Father and son are glowing w/ love for music, and perhaps for human potential in general. Can't fake that, though there are currently many who try.
Amen, brother, Amen.
They are all terrific...their talent, their music and their genuine-ness and fun personalities. More music...less war, world.
Saw them last night in Charleston. They are superb!!
Heaven on earth = Listening to Leonid and Friends and looking at Ksenia.
Good analogy!
Ksenia's beauty is borderline angelic then to hear she's so humble makes her even more likeable.
Father and Son....such a great team together! Thank you for bringing the music of Chicago and other bands to us with your fabulous musicians. We love you all so much and the joy you all bring to us through your music.
Chicago borned and raised, I cannot wait to see you in September in Desplaines. I am not even sure how I found you all, but so glad I did. Looks like I will be close to the stage too! This is like a dream come true.
They are an incredible band and very humble and down to earth. Super talented musicians! You will have a great time! Enjoy the show!
How did the guys capture the Chicago sound so great. Love them
Fantastic interview by a seasoned veteran. Tom has a subtle way of targeting his questions in a way that allows the artist to respond in a genuine and authentic way. This particular interview with Leonid and Friends was fantastic. I was blown away by the energy and talent of these artists. It's refreshing to know that real and true talent still exists. Thanks Tom for bringing Leonid and Friends into my home... screen!
Thanks, Charlie! I appreciate your kind words. They were very down to earth and gave great answers. They're a great band and team, and have many friends! I was introduced to them only a few months ago. I'm glad I can help spread the word! They've built up a loyal legion of fans! I'm happy to be one of them! Leonid and Friends are the best!
My sentiments exactly! Fabulous interview! Fabulous collection of great World-Class Talents!
Incredible musiciens with very good faces. ❤🎹🎷🎸♥️
My wife and I saw them last night in Southern CA. Our second time seeing them. Leonid & Friends brings more energy , enthusiasm, spirit and talent than most bands we’ve grown up with! It’s so heartwarming to see Leonid living out his musical dreams!! And thanks Tom for mentioning Lighthouses tune One Fine Morning. OMGosh, this band nailed that song last night. Can’t wait to see them a third time down the road!!!
I've become a big fan, too! They really care about their fans, and their musicianship is second to none. They also have to drive city to city. I give them major kudos and can't wait to see them again in South Florida!
Roman you always do so well at interviews, you are so proud of Ksenia. Enjoy Tour 2023
Hi Judith, Roman is truly amazing and the perfect spokesman for the band! He's smart, articulate, and wise beyond his years! I know Leonid and Friends is a total team effort!
I remember hearing that during the Soviet era, many musicians had difficulty getting electric guitars so they built their own. They would take the mouthpiece from public telephones to use as a pickup for the guitar. Great story. Great band! I've been following them for a couple years now and I hope to see them in concert someday.
Great band, followed them from the beginning. A great interview, these guys work so hard.
I'm so happy for Leonid! We're all glad to be his friends! He's super talented and extremely humble.
Amazing, truly amazing! Please come to Calgary, Alberta..Canada. 😊
Wonderful to hear you both and to hear you give some background to your lives and stories about the band. Since discovering your music, I am so uplifted, it is wonderful. I have sent for all your CDs so I can listen to you anytime guys. Keep doing what you are doing, we love you all. 😍
Had the chance to see them in Feb. of 2020 for FREE at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Was unable to get there and the next month Covid became official and SO many places were getting shut down.
SO glad they weathered the storm and are back with a passion.
Wonderful interview! This band is fantastic and I play their music all the time. It’s great to hear a high quality, precision band in this day and time.
TYVM for posting this interview. Some great insights. It also evokes fond memories of the relationship I had with my dad, musical and otherwise.
My father was a Double Bass player since he was a teen taking music classes in Miami Beach. He helped to support his family during the great depression by playing in a jazz band that traveled the southern states. When i was 15 he was the manager of the high school rock and roll band that i played electric bass in, and he even drove us to all of our gigs because we were too young to drive. 😊 later in life, we worked together on the road in the family business, like Leonid and Roman are doing now.
Whenever I see Leonid and Roman collaborating, especially live in concert, it not only takes me back to the music of my youth, but my deep connection with my father, and what that means. They are not only father and son; they are partners and best of friends. It’s just another great level of enjoyment I get from being a fan and following the band. The old memories and the new.
My father would have appreciated the musicianship and the level of dedication, but most importantly, the swing of it and always being in the pocket.
I think for so many of the older fans, the band transports us to a time when we were young and free, and the music was the soundtrack to our lives. That connection is always a good one when you hear it.
☮❤🙏
Thanks so much for your insight. Music is such a powerful force!
I'm happy you and your dad had such a cool connection! I definitely see it in Roman and Leonid! They are an incredible team! Roman does so much for the band!
Music is a universal connection that brings us all together. It brings back memories and creates new ones, too!
Leonid and Friends has brought so many of us together. They put a smile on our face and take us back to simpler, happier times!
How wonderful is that!
Wow. What a great interview. I love it when an interviewer asks great questions, then gets out of the way for the answer. First time hearing you, Tom. Over the past four or five years, I've devoured everything that's crossed my path related to this band, but still you elicited some great responses from Leonid and Roman. And what great genuine guys they are. I'm really impressed by Roman's fluency in the language and how warmly he (and Leonid) come across. Thanks for this.
Hey Barry, I appreciate your kind words! I didn't know much about them. A friend of mine invited me to their show in Fort Lauderdale. I was amazed! They are incredible musicians! I wanted to know more. Sorry, I messed up Leonid name. I thought Roman had pronounced it that way. All in all, they were great to talk to, and I'm a big fan, too!
@@tomcaminiti2430 I've heard it pronounced 3 or 4 different ways. We all know who you're talking about, so what's the diff? As my dad used to say, you can call me anything you want as long as you don't call me late to dinner. The most important thing is the content you've created. Great stuff.
These guys are magnificent, real class and I cannot stop watching them. Detente par excellence better than the false smiles between politicians , they bring ordinary people together remember "The Russians are Coming" 😂
Hi Tom , We might be related since my name is John Caminiti . This band is great do some more Tower Of Power
Love this band! Very talented and extremely humble. Where are your ancestors from and where do you live?
Saw them last night Chicago on steroids'!
I’m just learning of them today! And they are playing Denver next week! I think I need to get myself a seat! Thanks for the insightful interview.
They're a lot of fun to see in concert. I became a fan instantly after seeing them. I'm sure you will too! Incredible musicians and really nice people!
Leo is so charming, my favorite maestro.
Excellent interview, MOST excellent band!! Thanks
Saw them last year in Altoona Pa. Great show 28:09
Loved the interview. We have been following the band for about 2 1/2 years. Never thought we would get to see them in person. We were fortunate enough to see them when they performed in The Villages.
They're an incredible band! It's cool to see the good guys getting some success!
Great to learn like that the background of these talented and accomplished musicians ! Thanks a lot for this amazing and beautiful interview !!!
Love you guys, please come to Orlando Florida
Tom, was there any desire to ask about Serg. Was that topic off limits?
Yeah, that was something they didn't feel comfortable talking about. I respected that.
Did I mention I love this band!❤
The best band. It feels like you’re hanging out with good friends. They have beautiful energy. Leonid & Friends love their fans by playing their best, which is incomparable! Tom and I feel like we’re with people we’ve known for years. They’re wonderful in all ways. Leonid, you learned the English language amazingly fast! A consummate pro in so many ways!🩵
Perfect description! They are incredibly talented and very down to earth. We all are "friends" that have been brought together by Leonid, Roman, and the band!
This band is absolutely BELOVED by their American fans. I've seen four shows, and the good vibes are palpable. Excellence + discipline + goodwill can translate into affection when good music is expertly performed and humanity is displayed. I have immense respect and affection for these guys and gal. May their successes multiply into infinity! Rock on y'all!!
Awesome interview Tom! I first heard of them about 5 years ago in comments posted on Chicago's TH-cam videos. Didn't pay any attention to the comments for a long time, but finally decided to check them out. And boy, am I glad I did! Saw them live last year, and can't wait until they hit the west coast again this fall. What a story they are!
Thanks, Jim. I'm a new "friend," and I'm amazed by their talent and their kindness! What an incredible story! I've since read a lot about them and watched their videos. All I can say is WOW!
I’d love to hear you guys cover Ambrosia, England Dan & JFC. Also Steely Dan “Babylon Sisters.”
Saw them at the Villages In Florida very recently. One of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen. Sold out shows and oh, what a wonderful experience!!
aka "Mad Dad" You will find it very hard to find a better cover band than
Leonid & Friends. They do an outstanding job on every tune they perform.
100%!
great interview …. Awesome
Very much enjoyed lead vocals of Serge Tiagnyriadno. Can you give an update on his participation?
I don't have any information on him. He is an excellent vocalist. I'm not sure what led to him leaving Leonid and Friends. Hopefully one day they can all reunite.
Serge has parted ways eversince Russia invaded Ukraine. Serge is an Ukrainian. He is still in Kyviv with his family. From what I'm told Serge are still good friends with all Leonid and Friends
French Fries! Who would have thought.. 😊
I know Leonid said this was a 60th birthday gift, but what year was that since we didn't hear his current age during this interview?
I believe he is 67.
🎉🌹🌹🌹🌹🌿❤️👍👍🎉
Men retire at 60 and women at 55 in Russia
Only 130 likes? Only 3K views?
Leony?
It’s LEO -NID
Nice interview except he's got the guy's first name wrong. There's a pronounced "d" at the end.
I did mess up his name. Sorry.
Are you calling him Leoni ??
My bad. That's what I thought Roman was calling him. I was thinking it was a nickname.
Why not ask about Serge - their bandmate/vocalist still living in Kyiv? I'm not sure how you can interview a Russian band without discussing the status of one of their bandmates - who has openly stated that he's a bit resentful that Leonid and Friends tours the world with nearly no accountability for the actions of their native country.
Music is surely a salve to temper the wounds of the fractures we otherwise impose. But one of their bandmates lives under threat of the Russian invasion. That shouldn't go unrecognized.
They can't control their government. I think they're trying to unite people through their music. In a world full of anger and hate, I commend that.
@@tomcaminiti2430 - they can at least speak up about their band mate. Their principal investor/exec producer is a heavy Putin supporter, and they used to have a shit ton of pro-Trump merch on their web site. So, it’s not an irrelevant question for a group making their living by touring other countries.
A simple word of support for Serge would be nice. … nothing.
Why did you call Leonid, “Leoni”? You sounded like you couldn’t read as his name ends in the letter “D”. I met him and had a long discussion at their meet and greet after a show, and his name is not Leoni. Didn’t you do any research before your interview?
Please don't be negative. That's how his son, Roman, pronounced it. Maybe it's his nickname, or I heard it wrong. My apologies.
Americans will pronounce his name Lee-o-nid, but Russians pronounce it Lay-o-need, and the 'd' is pretty quiet at the end, so it's understandable to just leave the 'd' sound off.
@@jimstoneman1732 That’s interesting because I’ve spoken to Leonid and Roman many times and they never pronounced the name like that. Maybe you just didn’t hear the “D” at the end, because it’s definitely there.
Exactly his name is Leo- nid
My goodness I got to see them live in New Orleans 4/30/23 at House of Blues and I was blown away just heard about them a few months ago listening to Tower of Power on TH-cam their video came up and I am SOLD
Tom it sounds like your Daughter doesn't understand her talent yet. Sometimes its necessary that she spends time chasing other arts in order to combine them with her musical talents. Some young minds need more input.
Hey Stefan, she is exploring drama in high school. She has a lot of talent but still isn't driven. I'm encouraging her while not pushing her. She seems to be enjoying it a little more. Only time will tell.
Patience is a good approach . Young persons think that they are old at 17. Drama and Music (Combined) may be an enticing combination towards creativity. Thank You for the response. @@tomcaminiti2430