The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Aztec Two-Step comes to Hartford Nov. 4
HARTFORD >> Renowned folk-rock duos Aztec Two-Step and Brewer & Shipley will share the stage on Friday, Nov. 4, at Infinity Hall Hartford, 32 Front Street Hartford.
Tickets for the Nov. 4 show are $39 - $54. To purchase tickets visit http://www.infinityhall.com.
Bursting on the scene in 1972 with the critically acclaimed, self-titled debut on Elektra Records, Aztec Two-Step’s first album and three subsequent albums for RCA Records were staples of progressive FM and college radio, and helped usher the music of the 1960s into the ‘70s and beyond. Since then, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together as the folk-rock duo that takes its name from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Recording and touring nonstop since the early ‘70s, Rex and Neal have accumulated forty-five years of awards, accolades and TV and radio appearances that include the David Letterman Show, World Café Live, and the King Biscuit Flour Hour, and have graced countless stages including those of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In 1987, the duo’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, and in 1999 they were the subject of “No Hit Wonder,” a documentary that aired on PBS.
In 2005, they released a careerdefining “Days Of Horses” CD to rave reviews. Up to this point, Fowler had been the primary songwriter of the duo, but here, five of the album’s eleven songs, including “Better These Days,” were penned by Neal Shulman. The title track “Days of Horses,” written by Rex Fowler, was used as the opening and closing music in the 2012 documentary “Selling Cars in America.” In 2007, the duo’s song “The Persecution and Restoration of Dean Moriarty (On The Road),” initially released on their debut album, was included in Rhino Records’ “Forever Changing-The Golden Age of Elektra Records 1963-1973,” the story of the landmark record label and the music that defined an
era. The song, according to Jack Kerouac’s biographer Dennis McNally, was the first recorded about Kerouac’s iconic novel On The Road. Also in 2007, Real Simple magazine named the duo’s self-titled debut as one of the top five classic folk albums, joining works by superstars Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs. Their 2008 live recording “Time It Was — The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook” (Red Engine Records), features narration by the late legendary deejay and music historian Pete Fornatale, who provided commentary and insights based on his interviews with his pals Paul & Artie. Rex and Neal’s 1972 Elektra debut often reviewed them as having the “east coast sensibility,” “intellectual lyricism,” and “ethereal harmonies” of Simon & Garfunkel, so to many in their field, it wasn’t surprising that they would choose to interpret and perform the timeless songs and harmonies of their legendary predecessors.
Finally, in 2012, to commemorate their 40th Anniversary year, Rex and Neal released their 10th studio album “Cause & Effect” (Red Engine Records). It is a collection of 16 socially significant songs, produced by Paul Guzzone, who also produced their “Days of Horses” CD, and features their long-time bassist Fred Holman. The album is a combination of re-worked previously recorded songs and newly mined material. Learn more and listen at www. aztectwostep.com.
Brewer & Shipley:
Recognized as one of the most successful folk rock duos of the 70’s, Brewer & Shipley have remained true to their original form. Although best known for their Top 10 signature song, “One Toke Over The Line” which permanently etched their names in rock history by becoming an anthem of the 70’s counter culture, Michael Brewer and Tom Shipley were by no means a one trick pony. In all, the duo landed 3 singles on the Billboard charts and had the pleasure of working with such notables as Mike Bloomfield, Leon Russell, Jimmy Messina, and Jerry Garcia.
Constantly touring, Brewer & Shipley could be found performing in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Bottom Line, The Troubadour, The Roxy, Keil Opera House, and Arrowhead Stadium. Because of their broad appeal, they became a favored support act for major tours, sharing the stage with a diverse list of artists, including Elton John, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Electric Light Orchestra, Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, and Black Sabbath among others.
In recent years, the duo has witnessed rejuvenated interest in their music, beginning with BMG’s purchase of their catalog and subsequent re-issue of the critically acclaimed “Tarkio” release. This was soon followed by the inclusion of “One Toke Over The Line” on the “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas Limited Edition 25th Anniversary CD” (Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Records). The same song was later featured on the “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas” motion picture soundtrack (Geffen Records). In addition, the duo was invited to contribute guest vocals to their trademark song on “Hempilation II” (Capricorn Records).