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New York, NY, May 7, 2008 - Jack Kerouac's iconic novel,
“On the Road” and Aztec Two-Step’s signature song, "The Persecution and
Restoration of Dean Moriarty (On The Road)” both celebrated major birthdays in
2007, 50 and 35 respectively.
n 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. Dennis McNally's definitive Kerouac biography,
Desolate Angel, cites Aztec Two-Step’s On the Road as the first of two superb
songs relating to Kerouac's novel; The Grateful Dead's "Cassidy" was the second.
Several hallmark events in 2007 marked this anniversary:
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 author¹s hometown marked the 50th anniversary
of the publication of On The Road. Aztec Two-Step performed their song as the
original manuscript of this seminal book, (which was typed then taped into a
continuous scroll of paper over three weeks time), was unveiled for public
display.
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 release, features a 35th
anniversary concert at The Center for Arts in Natick, Massachusetts, a
performance of theself-titled debut album in its entirety, plus other
fan-favorites from AztecTwo-Step¹s long and distinguished career. The DVD also
includes interviewswith Rex Fowler, Neal Shulman and longtime Aztec Two-Step
bassist FredHolman, as well as comments recorded on the Aztec Two-Step fan-cam.
About Aztec Two-Step
Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making
music together as the folk/rock duo Aztec Two-Step. Their first album on Elektra
Records, and 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 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.
Aztec Two-Step has also appeared in concert with such notable
artists as Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Talking Heads, Bill Cosby, The Beach
Boys, Jackson Browne, The Band, Heart and many more. 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.
For more Aztec Two-Step information visit www.aztectwostep.com.
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