Aztec Two-Step in Concert
Aztec Two-Step will perform at the Randolph County Community Arts Center on Saturday, April 21st at 8:00 pm. This special engagement featuring Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman of Aztec Two Step fame along with long-time bassist Fred Holman, is sponsored by Elkins Fordland and is a fundraiser for the Arts Center.
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 Fowler and 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 folk/rock music of the 1960s into the 70s and beyond. They celebrate their 40th anniversary this year.
According to Arts Center Director Beth King, “We are thrilled to have Aztec Two-Step coming to the Arts Center. What an honor for a group with such an impressive 40-year history to come to Elkins.” “The Arts Center owes a tremendous thank you to Jim Jackson and Elkins Fordland for bringing Aztec Two Step to town and for making it a fundraiser for the Arts Center,” King continued.
Jim Jackson, Elkins Fordland owner notes, “Aztec Two Step's intelligent lyricism and beautiful acoustic harmonies create a musical experience you will long remember. I first heard them 40 years ago, as a college freshman and it is an honor to bring them to Elkins for the benefit of the Arts Center. If you enjoy acoustic folk music you will love this show.”
In 1987, Aztec Two Step’s “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.
Fowler and Shulman released their first live album "Highway Signs" on the PRIME-CD folk label in 1996 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. In 1999 they were the subjects of the documentary, “No Hit Wonder,” which was aired on several PBS stations across America. To commemorate their 30th anniversary in 2001, they released a double CD compellation entitled, “Live & Rare” and in 2005, released their career-defining “Days of Horses” CD to rave reviews. Of this release, 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.”
In June 2007, Real Simple, a popular national lifestyle magazine, named Aztec Two-Step’s debut recording one of the top five classic folk albums of all-time, along with works 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.”
To commemorate their 40th Anniversary year, early 2012 brings the official release of Fowler & Shulman’s studio CD “Cause & Effect” (Red Engine Records). A collection of songs of social significance, it is produced by Paul Guzzone and features long-time bassist Fred Holman. The album is a combination of re-worked previously recorded songs and newly mined material. From John Platt of WFUV in New York, “The secret of Aztec Two Step's longevity isn't just the harmony between Rex and Neal, it's also the quality of the songs. On "Cause and Effect" they revisit a lot of their repertoire with crisp acoustic arrangements. And while the songs were mostly inspired by a specific moment in time, they resonate anew today.”
Headliners in their own right, the duo has appeared in concert with such notable artists as Donovan, The Band, Allen Ginsberg, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Michael Bolton, The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Heart, Randy Newman, Judy Collins, Jose Feliciano, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Roger McGuinn, Bette Midler, Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Don McLean, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Michelle Shocked, John Sebastian, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Richard Thompson, America, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Pure Prairie League, Jimmy Buffet, Eddie Rabbit, Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clemens, Jerry Jeff Walker, and more.
Tickets for this special concert are $25 and can be purchased in the RCCAC office or by phone at (304) 637-2355 with credit or debit card. Tickets are also available at Elkins Fordland. Doors will open thirty minutes before show time.
This special engagement with Aztec Two Step is sponsored by Elkins Fordland with promotional assistance from WV Radio Corp and refreshments provided by Arts Center volunteers.
The Randolph County Community Arts Center, a non-profit organization promoting and supporting the arts in Randolph County and surrounding areas, is located at the corner of Randolph Avenue and Park Street in Elkins. RCCAC is committed to providing accessibility to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation, please contact our office in advance.
