LEE AARON’s new album Tattoo Me is out. It consists of 11 covers of varying classic tunes. I’ve said it before – I am not usually a fan of such albums, unless there’s something unique or very different about them, or they have a purpose or a theme. Tattoo Me has a great selection of songs spanning a number of decades; it also features Lee’s distinctive voice, and songs aren’t presented as note for note covers — so that gives it all a different and fresh approach/feel….There’s a few songs here I’ve never heard before, such as opener “Tattoo” (originally by California band The 77s), cool song, suits Lee and her band perfectly (and since I don’t know the original, well… it’s all new to me). Other favorites here are “Go Your Own Way” (Fleetwood Mac) with Sean Kelly doing an awesome job of re-visiting Lindsay Buckingham’s legendary guitar work, “Even It Up” (Heart) – which is a bit slowed down and rockier, Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”, and Alice Cooper’s “Is It My Body” – a bit of a twist, and Lee gives it attitude (as required with AC songs). Lots of different stuff here that Lee Aaron and band pull off like it all belongs together. A fun Canadian rock album just in time for summer! *Check out the press info and links below…

Eighteen albums into her career, AARON has written, recorded, and produced music achieving gold and multi-platinum sales. Recognized as one of Canada’s top rock vocalists, she’s also made forays into jazz, blues, and even opera, receiving numerous awards and accolades and, most recently, a 2023 induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

“Songs are like tattoos” – the famous first line of Joni Mitchell’s Blue – is a sentiment that has always resonated deeply for Canadian rocker LEE AARON.

“The one thing I’d never done was a full covers album,” says AARON. “It seemed like a really cool and super-fun project to tackle at this point…”

Taking a nostalgic journey, Tattoo Me pays homage to musical trailblazers who helped shape her own artistic path. As a reflection of her eclectic taste, yet in keeping with a profound respect for the greats, these 11 dynamic tracks are a unique tapestry of influences that transcend era and genre.

“It started out as a heartfelt nod to artists we’d been influenced by in our youth, but the truth is, we didn’t stop being influenced or being fans at 18, so the list kept evolving. It covers a few decades and a few unconventional choices, but it was incredibly rewarding to make!” she states.

Each track is a labor of love, infused with AARON and her band’s signature rock ’n’ roll swagger, yet in keeping with a sense of reverence for the originals.

The album was produced by AARON in her Vancouver studio and mixed by multi-media genius Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, L7, Def Leppard, Larkin Poe, Ian Hunter, and more).

“One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic was that we all upgraded our home studios and got very good at engineering and recording ourselves. No one was under the pressure of a studio clock, so the performances are as genuine as they’re gonna get.”

From the sizzling blues-rock of 1960’s Nina Simone’s “The Pusher,” to the rebellious energy of 1972 Alice Cooper’s “Is it My Body,” AARON growls, purrs, whispers, and wails, sounding like she’s having an absolute blast infusing these songs with her own fiery spirit. Her voice is as versatile and powerful as ever.

Standout tracks include a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “What is and What Should Never Be,” Heart’s “Even it Up,” and Hole’s “Malibu.” Stellar performances by AARON’s long-term band – Sean Kelly (guitar), Dave Reimer (bass), and John Cody (drums) – effortlessly channel these ’70s and ’80s rock giants and seem to capture the original magic of each of the tunes.

Another gem is AARON’s take on Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” Kelly’s gorgeous acoustic guitars create the soundscape, then strings and lush harmonies support her stirring vocal performance. The tribute is passionate and heartfelt. She reflects, “I spent hours and hours laying on my basement floor with headphones listening to ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ on repeat. I desperately wanted someone to save me from my boring life when I was a teenager…music ended up being that for me.”

The album also takes some unexpected turns, with delightful interpretations of songs from a diverse range of artists, including mid ’90s BritPop band Elastica, California’s 77’s, and the Undertones. Each track echoes the vibe of the era while seamlessly fitting into the lineage of AARON’s own storied career.

Tattoo Me is a sonic time capsule, bridging the decades. Once again, cementing her status as a rock ’n’ roll chameleon, AARON blends the old and the new, proving not only that the transcendent power of music never stops, but that she herself isn’t ready to anytime soon.

LINE UP:
Lee Aaron – lead vocals
Sean Kelly – guitars
Dave Reimer – bass
John Cody – drum

LINKS:
www.leeaaron.com
www.instagram.com/leeaaron.music
www.facebook.com/LeeAaronMusic
www.youtube.com/user/LeeAaronTV
www.metalville.de
www.facebook.com/metalville