Queen of Diamonds: Lee Aaron

From sea to shining sea, Canada is a nation replete with natural resources. We the people, do however tend to generally focus on the natural wealth and riches of our Great White North being of the drilled and mined resource varieties.

Yes we have oil, and yes we even have…diamonds.

Yet our greatest Canadian riches are our identity, culture, arts and…music. Music being the keyword here now.

With an aptly titled album, Diamond Baby Blues, one of Canada’s most recognized voices, Lee Aaron, just headlined a trio of shows in Ontario, to showcase past, present, and future hits that made three sold out venues very happy, along with crowds of ecstatic audiences.

Ottawa’s The Brass Monkey, Toronto’s The Rockpile, and Niagara Falls’ Seneca Theater, all played host to Lee Aaron, along with great support from local talent to share the stage, proving that Canadian “ice” or “diamonds” are great music resources.

Rtists was aboard for the 3 city ride. Front of stage, sidestage, and backstage life along side the road-warriors that comprise this great group. Lee Aaron on vocals and guitar, husband John Cody on drums, Sean Kelly on guitar, Dave Reimer on bass, and Anthony (Tony) Crea behind the board on sound duties. Not the first time I’ve witnessed this rock machine, not the last time; but always the best of times, as these musicians prove their mettle (metal?) in all aspects of the mirth and mayhem that they make to do what they do, and they do do it well.

Being equal in age to these fine professionals, and having romped around for the weekend from city to venue, from hotel to soundcheck, and show to meet & greet, I can but admire the verve, tenacity, patience and professionalism that has built up over years of touring and experiences, that to even now still illicit the momentous fun that they exude on stage and share with the listeners.

Lee Aaron surrounds herself with great people, and even greater musicians.

Lee is forever proud to announce and introduce drummer John Cody as “Father of my 2 children, husband and drummer. A drummer that dislikes drum solos. Wont’t even do a drum solo. Unless I ask him to…”

Stage sibling Dave Reimer joins on bass, and well, you can see the brotherly love onstage as the genuine interaction and vocal harmonies just blend into the playfulness that ensues whenever they’re within walking distance of each other, which is often, and the banter that goes on during soundcheck as well as stage time. The show is not just for show. An amazing musician, along with being a great luthier are but mirrored by a depth of Canadian music, and music in general, that made up for some great tour talk.

Sean Kelly rounds out the group as the 6 string wizard who is consistently weaving the melodies that compliment the siren song. Joining in on vocal harmonies as well, they are but outshadowed by the joy you see when when Sean steps from behind the mic to make sacrifice of a solo to the guitar-gods on high. Schooled in the vestibules of heavy-hard-hair-glam-crotch rock, Sean can inspire the crowd and lift them up (*Eerily, each member of this musical family…can) *If you haven’t read his book Metal On Ice, that mirrors his love of Canadian music history, you need to, and you’ll appreciate the wizard even more.  

Damn if I didn’t think their music makes them younger at heart. It just goes to prove that “growing older is mandatory, but that growing up is optional“, and that that little devil/angel on your shoulder wants to get out and bask in what Lee, Dave, John and Sean do in striking a rock pose, doing that solo, or making the crowd respond via groove, horn-wave, cheer, laugh…or even feel confident enough to chant the lyrics.

Having a vast musical library does help Lee Aaron in the song choices for their playlists each night, but fans do want to hear particular songs regardless, and even though one would think playing some songs for some thirty (+/-) years could become tedious, each and every song was performed as if it was the 1st time in voracity, vim, and vigor.

As time passes, experience makes us all stronger, and yet normally we would get more passive and laid back. A comfortable mindset and lifestyle that could become “regular”. Each Lee Aaron show is a true event, and the passion involved that goes into the makeup of each, along with the response to challenges that still surprise (inside joke) just cause a little havok that make for great stories (that in respect, even tho heard, private is private…albeit funny). It’s a great view from inside the Circus. From soundcheck, to show, and to encore after encore each night.

A view that proves that “Diamonds” don’t really age, they increase in value, and when one holds onto one long enough, the appreciation of it garners and doesn’t wane. This can be seen in the crowds that filled the sold out venues that made their promoters very happy, and prove that there is always a need for paid talent at rock shows in Canada, with musicians that play real instruments and do it much for the love of the music. Proof that CDs still sell (sold out at each show), merch still sells (also sold out), and each band member actually participated in the Meet & Greet after each show (and all shows had encores) to thank the fans for their participation. That is Diamond Baby Blues.

Some expect, and have written, that Lee Aaron’s fanbase is comprised of this or that type, age group, and gender specific. Attending any of these three shows proved any of this hands down wrong, all ages were in attendance, as were genders, ethnicities and any other divisive stereotypes. People were there for Lee Aaron. They were there for the music.

Just proves that not all writers are critics, not all critics are writers, and that anyone can and does have an opinion. However, in this entitled age, you are most certainly entitled to form and render your own opinion, and the best way to do so.

Experience the show live. Experience their show live.

Diamonds have facets, and Lee Aaron has covered multiple genres over the years. Trying to defy the labels that persist and help push headlines, there isn’t really one particular genre that encapsulates the entirety of Lee Aaron’s musical library. From hard rock, to metal, to jazz, to covers, to blues. Facets, facets, that make up a whole.

Having had to lead a career with the largest facet seen as the “Metal Queen”, if you simply sat and listened to the music of Lee Aaron, like we (elders) used to do with an lp, rather than joining the next generation that has to “see to hear” or skip to the next song after 10 seconds, you’d hear the richness of this treasure that adds to our Canadian musical map. Hear the music, listen to the words, not everything is necessarily what it appears, and the stories told as narratives at the shows give you perspective into their makeup and creation.

It’s all in the mindset.

We have true Canadian songbirds that from Anne Murray to Sass Jordan, From Darby Mills to Alannah Myles, and from Jann Arden to Alanis, all comprise a landscape that paints a pattern of amazing vocal talent. Lee Aaron is a great part of this tapestry, and deserves the musical merit. All you have to do is listen, “the” music is a hydra.

All in all, this isn’t really a concert review, this is a  ReVue of Lee Aaron’s Concert(s) and concerted efforts. You have to give credit where credit is due. You recognize love of music as just that, you recognize great musicians, and you reward them.

• Praise is good.
• Listening to their music is grand
• Buying their music is great
• Supporting live music is gargantuan

Rtists has 3 shows of amazing memories to cherish, and soon, galleries of photos, to commemorate a great voyage with great friends. (A couple are here in the article as mere examples of the fun had). This is a sincere and formal thank you for being part of the Family for the tour, and being able to have a view from both sides of the lens.

Gratitude! Thank you Lee, John, Sean, Dave & Tony.

Do yourself a favor, support our Natural Canadian Resources. Look, listen, learn & love.

Recognize Diamonds when you see them, they truly are Canadian Ice.

Lee Aaron is a Queen of Diamonds.

© Copyright 2019 Rtists Revue