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AZTEC TWO-STEP

In 1972, Aztec Two-Step, whose name comes from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records. Since then Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together as the folk/rock duo Aztec Two-Step. Their first album, along with their subsequent albums for RCA Records were staples of progressive FM and college radio and helped to bring the music of the 1960s into the 70s.

As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim. In 1987 Living in America, received the New York Music Award for Best Folk Album and was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll. They have been praised in countless major US newspapers and magazines, including Rolling Stone, and have appeared on numerous TV and radio shows, such as the David Letterman Show, the King Biscuit Flour Hour, and World Café Live. In 1999 they were the subjects of the documentary, No Hit Wonder, which was aired on PBS.

Of their 2005 release, Days of Horses,” the Boston Globe said “fans of the duo’s harmony-driven tunes and easygoing acoustic guitar riffs will recognize their James Taylor-meets-Simon & Garfunkel sound. What’s new is the mood. This album sits back on its haunches as Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman look back wistfully at American pop culture and their own ride through it.”

2007 saw several hallmark events for the duo. In June, Aztec Two-Step performed “The Persecution and Restoration of Dean Moriarty (On The Road)” at a very special Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival as the author’s hometown marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of On The Road. Also In June 2007, Real Simple, a popular national lifestyle magazine, named Aztec Two-Step one of the top five classic folk albums joining work by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs. The article cites the duo as “surpass[ing] Simon and Garfunkel for exquisite harmonies, musicianship and emotion.”

Rhino Records released Forever Changing-The Golden Age of Elektra Records 1963-1973, a five-CD box set that tells the story of this landmark record label and the music that defined an era. The collection includes Aztec Two-Step’s “The Persecution and Restoration of Dean Moriarty (On The Road).”

Live at TCAN, a new DVD was released, featuring a 35th anniversary concert at The Center for Arts in Natick, Massachusetts, a performance of the self-titled debut album in its entirety, plus other fan-favorites from Aztec Two-Step’s long and distinguished career. The DVD also includes interviews with Rex Fowler, Neal Shulman and longtime Aztec Two-Step bassist Fred Holman, as well as comments recorded on the Aztec Two-Step “fan-cam.”

Aztec Two-Step continues to impress audiences with intelligent songwriting, dazzling acoustic lead guitar, and inspiring harmonies. They are one of acoustic music’s most popular and enduring acts.


CDs
   

The Persecution & Restoration of Aztec Two-Step

Disc 1

  1. Killing Me
  2. The Persecution & Restoration Of Dean Moriarty (On The Road)
  3. Dance
  4. Looking Glass
  5. Living In America
  6. The Ballad of Humpty Dumpty
  7. Days Of Horses
  8. Rabbit in The Moon
  9. Faster Gun
  10. Highway Song
  11. Whiskey Man
  12. Better These Days
  13. Velvet Elvis
  14. Falling Down Clowns
  15. I’m In Love Again
  16. Walking On Air
  17. Looking For Love
  18. A Conversation In a Car
  19. Cosmos Lady
  20. Dancers All
  21. It’s Going On Saturday
  22. Baking

Disc 2

  1. Prisoner
  2. Waywarding Day
  3. Lullabye on New York
  4. I’m Sorry
  5. I Don’t Believe in Jesus (But I Sure Do Like His Songs)
  6. Ban Vanai
  7. In Your Paintings
  8. Our Lives
  9. Strangers
  10. Your Anybody’s Me
  11. Leftover Life
  12. Hey Little Mama
  13. Dad Came Home
  14. The Infidel
  15. Hurting
  16. Shantytown
  17. Cockroach Cacophony
  18. Hold Your Dreams Close
  19. Johnny’s An Angel
  20. You’ve Got a Way
  21. So Easy
  22. Almost Apocalypse