Aztec Two-Step

October 2009 E-News

2009-10-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

Quote of the Month
“It’s not life that matters. It’s the courage that we bring to it.” Yogi Tea label

Blog
October’s harvest moon and Fall will be in bloom when I head north to Eaton, NH this month to begin recording in earnest my John Lennon tribute project with good old friend Tom Dean of Devonsquare. I am projecting this recording’s release for JL’s 70th birthday in 2010. This will be as big, if not bigger in scope than our Time It Was Simon & Garfunkel songbook CD that Neal and I did with Pete Fornatale last year. In fact Pete has already signed up to write the liner notes for it and Neal has volunteered to play some lead guitar against Tommy’s amazing rhythm tracks. It’ll primarily feature acoustic versions of John’s Beatles’ songs, some of them interwoven and “smashed” together, plus snippets of John’s voice detailing many of those songs. It will also feature montage snippets (there’s that word again) of his more emotive songs beginning with the word “I” - preceded by his plaintive passionate “Is there anybody going to listen to my story…” from Girl. This project will be a blast, a true labor of LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Meanwhile it’s John’s 69th birthday on the October 8th. We love you John. We miss you still and always will.

ATS has been selected to perform at one of the Far West Folk Alliance’s Premier Showcases in Irvine, CA next month. To our west coast contingency, we were unfortunately unable to book dates to surround it this time out but we’re hoping to start playing the western region on a more regular basis, especially if all goes well in Irvine.

Happy 35th Birthday my dear son Rufus! Fare the well Mary Travers.

September 2009 E-News

2009-09-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

1. Quote of the Month
"Live with reverence for yourself and others." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog
This September we'll be saying goodbye to summer and hello to autumn, or will it be the other way around? It will also be filled with lots of good live music so please check out all the details here or on our website Tours Dates page. August was very laid back for Neal and me. We did however perform a few special shows including Chad and Hillary's glorious wedding in Rhode Island. We debuted "Fools Like Us" from our Days of Horses CD as their processional song so expect to hear us finally start performing it live.
We're definitely attending the Far West Folk Alliance conference in Irvine, CA from November 6-8 this year and hope to surround it with a few other dates. If anyone is interested in us playing a private party or special event while we're coming or going please contact our agent Bobbi Dickerman at bobbi@monarchmusicagency.com. We're looking forward to playing the west on a more regularly basis now, especially if all goes well at the conference. Our latest release, The Persecution & Restoration of Aztec Two-Step, continues to sell well so thanks to all you who purchased it. We hope everyone on our mailing list (and around the world) will support this 2-disc, 44-song CD and our other recording projects found in our Aztec Two-Step store.

Fare thee well Ted Kennedy, Jim Smith, Willie DeVille, Les Paul and “Smooth Smitty from the City,” Brian Smith.

August 2009 E-News

2009-09-15T16:42:00.002-04:00

1. Quote of the Month
"Your head must bow to your heart." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog
August is here and summer is just around the corner. What a wacky summer - wonderful, but wacky!
July was filled with magical music moments and enough memories to fill a lifetime. Spending quality time with our hosts Rusty and Betsy for their 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Lake Placid (not to mention a visit to Donnelly's Ice Cream parlor in Saranac Lake where they only serve one flavor per day and it's always mixed with vanilla in the creamiest soft serve twirl on earth), then singing at the band shell beside Mirror Lake a few days later. Motoring down to Martha's Vineyard to play in the amazing Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs benefitting the Chikumbuso AIDS Community in Zambia, Africa was also very special. Our good friend Sabrina works tirelessly on their behalf. Playing the Mitchell Horse Farm Festival with Jon Pousette-Dart and his amazing band mates, the father and son boys of Beaucoup Blue (who are joining us on our Halloween gig at The Turning Point) and The THE BAND Band who do a remarkable job replicating the music of The Band was a definite highlight. Playing our S&G show with Freddy on bass for the first time and Pete Fornatale narrating at Infinity Music Hall will never be forgotten. The power went out from a horrific thunderstorm towards the end of Bridge Over Troubled Water when 300 plus voices suddenly rose up, "Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will ease your mind...," finishing the song with us a capella. Pure magic! We had a great picnic with many friends and lots o music, our brand new 2-disc compilation, The Persecution & Restoration of Aztec Two-Step is selling surprisingly well and my New York Mets are surging. Life is good!

July 2009 E-News

2009-09-15T16:36:00.001-04:00

1. Quote of the Month

"The only tool you need is kindness." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog

We welcome in July and begin to say goodbye to fireflies. Those precious little angels that wing across our evening summer skies. Since moving to Piermont, NY last month we've been treated to some magnificent fireworks by these splendid little creatures. We're also visited by a small herd of deer that casually graze across our property during the day and frequently bed down in our side yard, especially during evening rains. The huge oaks that line our driveway have kept them fairly well sheltered from the relentless storms. It seems our northeast weather patterns have become reminiscent of the great northwest this past month. Let us begin to petition Sun Ra. Did I mention our wild turkeys too?

The month of June brought many wonderful shows including a marvelous surprise 50^th birthday bash for our pal Budd Mishkin of NY One. July bodes well as well. You must see Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, CT, even if it's not to see us perform our S&G Songbook show with Pete Fornatale on July 24. If you love the music of The Band (and who doesn't) we hope you'll come see us play with The ‘THE BAND' Band, an amazing 5-piece group that devotedly tributes the music of this iconic American roots band. The remarkable Jon Pousette-Dart Band and Beaucoup Blue, the equally remarkable father and son duo from Philadelphia will also join us on July 18 at Mitchell Farm in Salem, CT. This annual event that ATS helped launch in 2007 has now blossomed into a full blown festival to support their home for retired horses. This is one great cause. TTBB will also be performing other NE dates this summer so please check their website for more details. www.theTheBandband.com.

Last but not least, Renassiance Records in conjunction with It's About Music has just released a 44-song compilation of our past recordings in a tidy two-disc set. The cover art, conceived and designed by Dean Sciarra of IAM, is almost as surreal as it's title, The Persecution & Restoration of Aztec Two-Step. We hope you'll support this endeavor. I've been nudging Neal about making a new studio album this year. I want to record it live with our dear Freddy Holman on bass. Live is where our magic lies. Our shows have been stupendous with Fred back on board these past several weeks. The healing has begun.

June 2009 E-News

2009-06-03T22:44:00.001-04:00

1. Quote of the Month
"Recognize that the other person is you." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog
June has changed her tune and has literally busted out all over, borrowing from Mssrs. Simon & Hammerstein. Yours truly has also changed ‘his' address to the lovely town of Piermont, NY - home of Turning Point Café - where coincidentally I'll be sharing the bill with slide guitarist extraordinaire Pat Wictor on June 13. This is a beautiful and secluded old rental property that sits on a hill just above this adorable Hudson River hamlet. I would have preferred to buy now rather then rent but the house gods had different plans after failing a routine septic check on a home where our bid had actually been accepted. The seller would not negotiate, not even one dime down, and sold it "as is" to another buyer. We'll start looking again right after the New Year. The search will continue, but the good news is this magnificent old estate home will be a truly lovely place to live for now and will also be a great spot for a summer music and picnic bash.

The month of May brought many wonderful fun shows that our ‘good buddy' and bassist Freddy Holman joined us on. Fred is boldly reemerging back into life after losing his wife and soul mate Donna in late March of this year. One of the standout shows was at the Warwick Valley Winery where we got to play (among others) one of my all-time favorite Bob Dylan tunes, "4th Time Around" at their annual Dylan fest. We also got to hear Professor Louie and The Crowmatics perform for the first time. What a band! Freddy will be joining us lots more in the near future including our Simon & Garfunkel Songbook show with Pete Fornatale at the incredibly beautiful Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Ct on July 24th. As grueling and disappointing as these past several months have been after losing out on house after house, knowing what Freddy has had to endure puts everything into perspective. Everyday is a blessing. Everyday matters. Everyday counts.

3. If Times Are Tough
For you folks who've lost jobs or suffered other calamities and are in deep economic crises mode, please write to rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. We'll also do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009.

4. Calling All Angels
I am still optimistic and we will continue our search for a home, even after losing out on yet another property. I have come up with some creative means to raise funds to increase our chances of purchasing our dream domicile. If you haven't yet, please take a moment to read how you can participate, and help us in our quest. Calling All Angels.

5. Links Link
We have two new listings this month! If you are self-employed and want your business listed on our website's Links link, please send me rex@aztectwostep.com a short blurb and the contact information you want listed. Please take a moment to peruse it as a show of solidarity for our little online community we're trying to establish here. There are some amazing services being offered.

May 2009 E-News

2009-05-02T18:12:00.001-04:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Quote of the Month
2. Blog
3. If Times Are Tough (Free CD)
4. Calling All Angels
5. Links Link

1. Quote of the Month
“Uplift everybody and uplift yourself.” Yogi Tea label

2. Blog
I doubt if May will actually “stay” to quote Paul Simon but she’s here for the rest of the month so damn the swine flu scare and let’s all get out and enjoy her while we can. Speaking of poor little piggies, The World Health Organization is changing the name of swine flu to its formal name, H1N1 influenza A, in order to stop the needless slaughter of these adorable little creatures. Read all about it! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090430/ap_on_he_me/un_who_swine_flu_16

Backing up a bit, our dear friend and bassist Freddy Holman joined us at our joyous Friends of Music Mansion concert on April 26th. It’s the first time Fred has played with us since his wife Donna passed away last month and naturally, in a very long time prior to her passing. It felt so good to have our good buddy on stage with us again. We really rocked the house with Freddy back in the fold. Thanks so much to all of you who sent your condolences to Fred via this newsletter, he greatly appreciated it. Freddy will be joining us lots more in the near future including some of our Simon & Garfunkel Songbook shows. We’ll announce his S&G debut. Betty Davis once said that “getting old ain’t for sissies.” Well guess what, neither is buying a house. You can read more about this on my www.rexmarchfowler.com blog. Please scroll down to see where ATS will be performing this month including my two solo home fundraiser concerts in Maine and NH.

3. If Times Are Tough
For you folks who’ve lost jobs or suffered other calamities and are in deep economic crises mode, please write to rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. We'll also do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009.

4. Calling All Angels
We are still optimistic in our search for a home, even after losing yet another bid. I have come up with some creative means to raise funds to increase our chances of purchasing our dream domicile. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to read how you can participate, and help us in our quest! Calling All Angels.

5. Links Link
If you are self-employed and want your business listed on our website’s Links link, please send me rex@aztectwostep.com a short blurb and the contact information you want listed. Please take a moment to peruse it as a show of solidarity for our little online community we’re trying to establish here. There are some amazing services being offered.

April 2009 E-News

2009-05-02T18:10:00.001-04:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Quote of the Month
2. Blog
3. If Times Are Tough (Free CD)
4. Calling All Angels
5. Links Link

1. Quote of the Month
“To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach.” Yogi Tea label

2. Blog
Too sad for adequate words but Donna Holman, our bassist Fred Holman’s wife, passed away last month after a long courageous battle with cancer. Donna began teaching at and eventually owned and ran the Building Blocks Montessori School on Staton Island, NY where she and Fred resided. Donna was beloved and cherished by countless children and their families and was Freddy’s one true love. Fred, Neal and I played Strangers, Highway Song, and So Easy at her wake. That we could all live this exemplary life. Fare thee well sweet Donna. Here is a link to her obituary: http://www.silive.com/obituaries/advance/index.ssf?/base/news/1237553114206730.xml&coll=1

3. If Times Are Tough
For you folks who’ve lost jobs or suffered other calamities and are in deep economic crises mode, please write to rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. We'll also do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009.

4. Calling All Angels
This is not a request for a hand out, just a hand. We lost yet another house bid last month but are keeping the faith. Please take a moment to read how you can help Bobbi and I purchase a home. http://www.rexmarchfowler.com

5. Links Link
If you are self-employed and want your business listed on our website’s Links link, please send me rex@aztectwostep.com a short blurb and the contact information you want listed. Please take a moment to peruse it as a show of solidarity for our little online community we’re trying to establish here. There are some amazing services being offered.

March 2009 E - News

2009-03-01T23:06:00.002-05:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Quote of the Month
2. Blog Stuff - Starting With A (Very Bad) Poem
3. If Times Are Tough (Free CD)
4. Calling All Angels
5. Links Link

1. Quote of the Month

“Let things come to you.” Yogi Tea label

2. Blog

Time marches on like a Lion

Lambs lie down or scatter,

Chitter chatter, chitter chatter - Bah Bah Black Sheep what’s the matter?

I saw a crocus peeping out today….

Times may be tough but spring is on the way.

March 15th is Aztec Two-Step’s 38th anniversary. We are celebrating with a Birthday Bash at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY. No presents please, just throw money!

Once again we have four new and amazing fan base business listings on our website’s Links link. March listings include a veterinarian, a cabinet maker, an electronic online company, and friend/photographer, Roy Gumpel.

Don’t forget to use our Set List Request and FanTalk links. See what a fan posted there after reading my February home loan request. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from so many of you but unfortunately I lost out on the house. Click here to read all about it.

3. If Times Are Tough

For you folks who’ve lost jobs or suffered other calamities and are in crises mode regarding your next car payment, or your rents, mortgages, heating or utility bills, or even about filling your tank with gas, write to rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. We'll also do our best to get you in to see one of our shows.

4. Calling All Angels

This has been updated since last month. Please take a moment to read how you can help me purchase a home. Click Here

5. Links Link

If you are self-employed and want us to list your business on our website, please send Rex a short blurb and the contact information you want listed on our Links link. Please take a moment to peruse and hopefully use some of the services being offered there as a show of solidarity for our little online community. You’ll see some extraordinary and unusual listings there.

That’s all folks. Thanks and pass us on!
Cheers, Rex & Neal

February 2009 E-News

2009-02-09T16:35:00.004-05:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Quote of the Month
2. Blog - Dear President Obama
3. If Times Are Tough
4. Home Loan Letter From Rex
5. Links Link

1. Quote of the Month

"By honoring your words, you are honored." Yogi Tea label

2. Blog

We thank George W. Bush for his service and welcome Barack H. Obama as our 44th president. With a globe-stopping election victory mandated by the majesty of the America people, we are propelled into a new era during one of the most difficult times in our nation's history.

Dear President Obama, with your consummate intelligence and work ethic, with your exquisite sense of community, and with the help of your family, your staff, your cabinet and our congress - please continue to unite and inspire our countrymen, our children, and the world - by ending, not escalating our two wars; by stimulating the economy through healthcare and education reform, through infrastructure, alternative energy, and global warming initiatives; by restoring our national pride and world-wide respectability by allowing judiciary accountability for the conspirators of torture and unlawful wiretapping; by pledging to support the arts and sciences, for the absolute separation of church and state; and for the audacity of hope, of service, of change, of joy, and for the prospect of equality for all. That's all. Thanks.

As mentioned before, we are making plans to attend the Far West Folk Alliance in Irvine, California from November 6-8, 2009. We hope to perform on either side of this conference. If there are acoustic venues of note or an interest in hiring us for a private party during this time period, please contact Bobbi at bobbi@bobbidickerman.com. Bobbi is also working on securing dates for us in Michigan, Colorado and Florida.

Last but not least, there are four new fan business listings on our Links link including information on Quincy Jones' petition to ask President Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts, a free national Animal Rescue Site that needs 30 seconds of your time, and a new Dan Fogelberg retrospective on FM Odyssey Records. Three dollars from each CD sold will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Dan's name.

3. If Times Are Tough

For you folks who've lost jobs or suffered other calamities and are in crises mode regarding your next car payment, or your rents, mortgages, heating or utility bills, or even filling your tank with gas, write to rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. We'll also do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009.

4. Home Loan Appeal From Rex

Please take a moment to read my letter asking for help in purchasing a home. http://www.rexmarchfowler.com/

5. Links Link

If you are self-employed and want us to list your business on our website, please send Rex a short blurb and the contact information you want listed. We already have several links posted so please take a moment to look through them as a show of solidarity for our little community we are trying to establish here. Remember "networking" in the 1980's? This is our 2009 version. http://www.aztectwostep.com/links.htm

January 2009 E-News

2009-01-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Our wish for you in 2009 (author unknown)
2. Quote of the Month
3. Blogasaurus Rex
4. If Times Are Tough
5. Links Link
6. Time It Was & Stargazers Update

1. Our wish for you in 2009

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips. May your clothes smell of success and may happiness slap you across the face.May your tears be tears of Joy. May the problems you had forget your home address. In the simplest of words . . . may 2009 be the best year of your life!
Life comes at you fast and hard sometimes so take ten seconds before moving on and open this up for a really good … well laughter will assault your lips, promise!

2. Quote of the Month

“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.” Yogi Tea label

3. Blogasaurus Rex

Blessings. Peace and prosperity in the coming New Year. Wishes anew, wishes come true. See yourself in others. Pray for peace and for Obama. Make art often. Sing from your heart. Affirm. Observe. Rejoice. We are making plans to attend the Far West Folk Alliance in Irvine, California from November 6-8, 2009 and hope to perform on either side of it. If there are venues of note or interest in having us perform for you during this time period please contact our agent Bobbi (bobbi@bobbidickerman.com.) We’ve received so many email requests from our California contingency these past few years that we’re going to make a sincere effort to start performing this fertile golden plain once again. Bobbi is also working on dates for us in Michigan and Colorado this year.

On a personal note, dear Ann Ludwig-Skelton is bringing me to Tucson this month - The Cathedral of Sajuaro Cactus - along with our brilliant friend and photographer Nina Fuller; delicious Southwest dishes and inspirational photographs to ensue. Oh yes, golf will be plentiful and perhaps a solo house concert at Jim Lipson’s. My fourth grade sweetheart Anna Parker and her husband Arthur will be there too. I am also applying for an eight week residency at the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, NH beginning June 1st. I first heard of this amazing sanctuary when we started playing the lovely Folkway Cafe in the late 1970’s. I never dreamed of applying but Adrienne Jones of Mad Agnes inspired me after attending for five weeks last summer. If I’m fortunate enough to be accepted it will be a fascinating place to refocus and finish my-o- auto-bio; maybe write a song or three. http://www.macdowellcolony.org/history.html. Carl Lennertz of Harper Collins is writing my reference letter. I am not allowed to see it. We will still perform during this period if Bobbi’s diligence prevails.
Wishing you wellness and joy - wish me luck.

4. If Times Are Tough

For you folks who’ve lost jobs or have suffered other calamities and are concerned about paying your rents or mortgages, your car payments or utility bills, with nary a thought about purchasing an Aztec Two-Step CD in the coming months, write to me at rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help lift your spirits in these difficult times. And for those of you who can hardly afford a tank of gas let alone come see us play, we'll do our best to get you in to see one of our shows in 2009. Keep the faith.

5. Links Link
If you are self-employed and want us to list your business on our website, please send Rex a short descriptive blurb plus your website and/or contact information you want listed. We already have several people’s links posted. We hope you’ll take time to look through them all and send yours in as well. Remember “networking” in the eighties? This is our 2009 version. http://www.aztectwostep.com/links.htm

6. Time It Was & Stargazers Update

We are up to 94 orders for my kid’s of all ages CD, Stargazers and 152 for Time It Was, our live Simon & Garfunkel Songbook CD featuring the amazing Pete Fornatale. Now, if all 2500 of you on our mailing list ordered both CDs we’d be able to pay ourselves back and have enough left over to record and properly promote our next ATS recording. Is this just wishful thinking?

December E-News

2009-01-01T09:54:00.002-05:00

In This Newsletter:

1. Quote of the Day
2. Blogasaurus Rex
3. Time It Was & Stargazers Update
4. Bobbi's Website Debut

1. Quote of the Day

“We do for each other, we do for the world.” The Sister Project www.thesisterproject.com

2. Blogasaurus Rex

Alas, the wolf’s at the door but still we will be merry. For all we have, not what we've lost, still we will be merry. For you dear folks concerned about paying your rents or mortgages, your car payments or utility bills, let alone purchase an Aztec Two-Step CD in the coming months, write to me at rex@aztectwostep.com and we will send you a free CD of your choice to help you through these difficult times. And for those of you who can’t afford to see us play for awhile, we'll do our best to get you in to see one of our shows. Keep the faith and keep on being merry.

3. Time It Was & Stargazers Update

Our sincere thanks all of you who have supported these two new projects. For those keeping score, there are 2700 of you beautiful people on our mailing list. We went from 65 to 72 orders for Stargazers and from 90 to 129 for Time It Was since our December 1st mailing. If everyone on our mailing list ordered one of these CDs we’d be able to pay them off, invest in a promotional campaign and have a little something left over to make another record! Is this wishful thinking? We think not seeing everyone signed up voluntarily.

4. Artworks by Bobbi Dickerman

Bobbi balances being Aztec Two-Step's booking agent, publicist and road manager with hand-painting small wooden furniture, bowls, boxes, and other functional décor - all with her unique sense of whimsy and love of color. Her website debuted on December 1st 2008 with an array of vibrant multi-colored candlesticks, perfect for quality holiday gift ideas. Please honor her life-long passion by visiting her website. www.bobbidickerman.com

OK, that just about wraps things up! Please forward this to a friend you think might be interested in being on our mailing list. Thank you for your ongoing support. We do for each other, we do for the world. Great Motto!

Peace, Prosperity & Happy Hollandaise,

Rex & Neal

FAN TALK

2008-12-31T11:35:00.002-05:00

We love to hear from our fans. Please leave your comments here or add your thoughts to another comment.

2008-10-28T21:29:00.014-04:00

November E-News Highlights

My Fellow Americans, please vote on November 4th, 2008. It’s the greatest expression of freedom in any society, even if you dislike the candidates up for election, even if you think your favorite candidates are going to win (or lose!) with or without your vote, even if you have to wait in line for a long time before casting your vote. Also, regardless if your candidates win or lose, let’s all roll up our sleeves and get involved for the common good in our communities, our country, our world. And please, let’s end the shocking divisiveness that is strangling our great nation and come together reasonably with respect for each other and our differences, peacefully for a better America, a better world and a better way of life for this and subsequent generations. These troubled times demand that we do.

In case you missed it, our Simon & Garfunkel Songbook CD,
Time It Was will be available November 1st on our website http://www.aztectwostep.com/store.htm and at our Little Theater concert with Pete Fornatale in White Plains, NY. Here is an excerpt from the Kennebec Journal in Augusta, Maine, our first review so far:

This 28-track, 76 minute, 17 seconds-long CD was recorded live in 90.7 WFUV’s studio A and features just the two guitars and voices of Shulman and Fowler… period. And guess what — they don’t need anything else. Taking the music and lyrics of Paul Simon with the Aztec Two-Step signature style of vocal harmonies, you have not a carbon-copy of these classic songs but a true and distinctive — as well as loving — translation/transition of past to present. Add to that the thoughts, observations and narration of Pete Fornatale (he also contributes the liner notes on the booklet, as well as some fancy whistling on “Punky’s Dilemma”) who marries the music with the history of the famous duo throughout the entire album. You have a slice of musical memories realized by these equally impressive singer-songwriters. Lucky Clark, 10/23/08 http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/2084305918.html

Thank you Lucky and thank you Scott Yonan of Rhode Island for suggesting the CD title, Time It Was. Thank you all for your on-going support - we couldn’t possibly do it without you!

PEACE if we want it, Rex & Neal

P.S. Here’s a link to another great review, this time by Bob McKillop of Maine Folk Music.com about our recent One Longfellow Square concert in Portland, Maine: www.mainefolkmusic.com

P.S.S. It’s not too late to book ATS for a private party or your
New Years Eve bash. Damn the apocalypse and call today!
201-207-5304 or bobbi@aztectwostep.com

P.S.S.S. Thanks to all of you who purchased Stargazers, my kid’s of all ages (9 to 92) CD. 32 down, 2668 to go!

October E-News Highlights

2008-10-01T19:12:00.021-04:00

Fast times at D.C. High. I know it’s shameful and perverse but there’s a part of me that is delighting in the pending apocalypse. I’m referring NOT to the purported rapturous sky fairy apocalypse; rather to the fiscal apocalypse our nation is currently engulfed in as my meager 401(k) fritters away. Of course this couldn’t be worse timing for the average Joe (like me!) and the politicians whose jobs are also at stake with the November election at hand. Win, lose or draw, it’s heartening to see all the American colors across the great divide rising up, dialoging and demanding their representatives in Washington be held accountable. Democracy at its finest! Meanwhile, truth be known, much of my misguided enthusiasm is for its therapeutic renderings; diverting the pain of yet another colossal collapse by my beloved New York Mets. As much as I loved how Jerry Manuel guided the team with intelligence, humor and grace after the shameful (yet necessary) firing of Willie Randolph, and therefore would love to see Mr. Manuel return as the manager next season, it might be wiser for ownership to bring Dr. Henry Jay Heimlich in to manage (or better yet maneuver) the team until he can expurgate their propensity for choking down the stretch in the heat of a pennant race. OK, perhaps GM Minaya should bring in a few new relievers as well. Without my Mets involved, wouldn’t it be grand if the Chicago Cubs won the World Series on the 100th anniversary of their last championship? Let’s Go Cubbies! Postscript: Ok, how about Dodgers vs. Red Sox in the fall classic? It would be surreal to see Manny being Manny being managed by Torre in Fenway. Go Sox!

On a more serious note, the Daniel Pearl Foundation has invited us and thousands of musicians worldwide to participate this month in raising awareness for their cause.

“Daniel Pearl was a newspaper reporter and a violin player who traveled the world and used music to make friends in many countries. In 2002 he was murdered by terrorists while investigating a story in Pakistan. His family decided to carry on Danny’s work and use music to help people learn to respect each other and honor diversity. October 10 was Danny’s birthday…. This month, all over the world, musicians of all kinds are dedicating concerts to our shared belief that even though we may be of different races, religions or ethnic backgrounds, we can all work together to achieve a better, hate-free world for everyone.”

http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/dedications.php

Perhaps we can embrace these sentiments not just for this month, but day in and day out for the rest of our lives. What better place to rededicate the practice of these principles than right here in our troubled and divided nation? We are honored to dedicate our October 2008 concerts to this courageous and noble man, Daniel Pearl.

A Fanciful Thought: our mailing list guru Chip Bemis has informed me that there are now over 2700 of you beautiful people on our mailing list. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you for signing up and to those of you who ordered Stargazers, my kids of all ages CD from our website last month. BUT, if all 2700 of you ordered it now (or before the end of this holiday season) it would easily pay for its total cost and a national promotional campaign too.

Mr. Fowler, I am Marlee. We saw each other at the Heartland Concert this past Saturday night. I am 8 years old and I think your kid’s CD is great. I really like number 6. Thank you for the CD. Marlee Mullane

AND, if you could also order just one or two ATS CDs or DVDs between now and then, Neal and I could pay for and promote our LIVE Simon & Garfunkel Songbook CD featuring Pete Fornatale due out this November 1st.

DAMN THE APOCALYPSE AND ORDER TODAY!! http://www.aztectwostep.com/store.htm

Peace, Love and Harmony,
Rex & Neal

P.S. We have lots of open dates this coming December. How about hiring us for an ‘Almost Apocalypse’ Holiday Party?

Cheers!

September E-News Highlights

2008-09-20T17:05:00.004-04:00

Aztec Two-Step September E-News

September again. Fall’s beckoning call. I love the seasonal changes and this is one of the best. Spring always thrills as we leave behind winter’s chill and there’s nothing better than summer’s corn and tomatoes. Winter of course puts all things in perspective. I am leaving for a 12 day vacation in Maine as I write this. Hey, it’s the way life ought to be. It’s vacation land. Lots of golf and ‘lobstah’ on the itinerary and visits with dear friends. And of course the weather will be glorious day after day as I flirt with par every time I tee it up!

Neal and I just finished editing and mixing our “live” Simon & Garfunkel Songbook CD with engineer Matt Billy. Matt was great and a joy to work with. Thanks to a fan’s suggestion a few months ago, (please write me again so we can give you a CD credit!) we’re calling it “Time It Was” from Paul Simon’s “Old Friends” lyric and a featured song on the album. This is the perfect succinct title for this project “and what a time it was” as we collaborated with DJ extraordinaire Pete Fornatale for a WFUV fund drive last April. Pete’s narration is simply superb and brings this recording into a whole new realm for us. Our friend Rosie Rinsler www.rosiesoriginalcards.com has created an original piece of cover art which captures the 60’s motif we were looking for. Pete, Neal and I are very excited about this recording which will be ready to ship well before the 2008 holiday season.

Stargazers, my first ever kid’s CD is officially out and now available on our ATS website http://www.aztectwostep.com/store.htm. I’ve just begun selling it at our concerts recently and have gotten nothing but rave reviews from the “adults” who have purchase it. Stargazers features six of my originals and six amazing cover songs that collectively make for a unique children’s album. Just solid sweet songs that I think will appeal to kids of all ages. Margo Hennebach and Adrienne Jones of Mad Agnes sing magnificently on backing vocals and Mark Saunders (also of Mad Agnes) helped with the musical instrumentation and production. Naturally we’re having a Back to School Special on it this month.

Happy Trails, Rex & Neal

Review of Rex's "Stargazers" CD

2008-09-17T18:10:00.001-04:00

Dear Rex,

I love your CD! My favorite song is House at Pooh Corner. I also like All Together Now and Stargazers.

Cristina Sage
Age 8

August E-News Highlights

2008-08-02T13:12:00.004-04:00

Aztec Two-Step E-News

Missives, Musings & Malapropos....

Another malapropos compliments of the king himself, Yogi Berra: "It gets late early out there."

July was a wonderful month filled with many memorable moments. First and foremost, my Mets went on a 10-0 run to recaptured first place in the NL East only to fall a half game back of our rivals the Phillies. I never thought I'd say this but kudos to Carlos Delgado for carrying the team all month long. I'm sure the boys of summer will give it their best the rest of the way. Should be an exciting race to the playoffs.

We teamed up with our buddy Pete Fornatale again to play our first outdoor Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show at the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Huntington, NY. There was an overflowing crowd of 4600 people in attendance. This was our first time playing there since it was renamed to honor Harry Chapin who died tragically on July 16, 1981, almost twenty-seven years to the day of our performance. Harry, we hardly knew ya. We also teamed up with longtime band mates Freddy Holman and Marshal Rosenberg to another overflowing crowd at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT. Local resident and musician extraordinaire Robin Batteau of Buskin & Batteau fame sat in on violin for the entire set. We'll be sharing a bill with B&B at Cheney Hall in Manchester, CT in February 09. Another highlight was returning to Brownfield, Maine to play Carol Noonan's (of Knots and Crosses fame) Stone Mountain Arts Center. Carol and her husband Jeff Flagg opened one of, if not the best 200-seat venue in America. "It is housed inside a striking 32-by-72-foot timber-frame barn built a decade ago for Flagg's business, which makes fishing nets. Jeff, a Maine native and former commercial fisherman, now constructs his nets in the barn's large basement." Other July highlights included Rosetta & Bryon Eddy's 20th and Nancy & Bob Cleveland's 25th Anniversary Parties. They were truly lovely events and very touching to be a part of. Yummy food too!

"August, die she must..." and now Artie Traum is gone. I met Artie when we first arrived in NYC in the spring of '71. He and his brother Happy were already an established folk duo managed by Albert Grossman and recording for Capital Records. They were playing all the major folk festivals and the cooler clubs in Greenwich Village - the places Neal and I wanted to play. Artie (and Happy too!) was always very friendly and supportive whenever we performed together. In 1993 Artie and Happy Traum released The Test Of Time, which included my song 'Ban Vinai' - inspired by a weeklong visit to the Ban Vinai refugee camp in Northern Thailand in August of 1986. My sister Andrea was based there for many years processing the Hmong (Meo) and Yao (Mien) Hill Tribe people who, at great peril and facing certain death, fled across the Mekong River from Laos after Vietnam fell. This is the only song of mine that was ever covered by an established artist or band. I will be forever grateful for this honor and for Artie's kindness. He was a dear heart.

July E-News Highlights

2008-07-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

Aztec Two-Step E-News

Missives, Musings & Malapropos....

First a malaprop compliments of the king himself, Yogi Berra. "It ain't over till it's over." Sadly, it is over now for Tim Russert and George Carlin. When I turned the BIG SIX OH! in September 07, several people kindly suggested that 60 was now the new 30. OK! I liked that. But after thinking about it, I eventually came up with the best Carlin-esq line I could muster. "No," said I, "60 is how old my grandparents were......just before they kicked the bucket!" It's reality now. We boomers ain't babies no more. In fact, we're dropping like flies. Oh well. C'est la vie. Que sera. Or, as our good buddy Dave Sleight likes to say, "A happy Woody Guthrie on ya!"(So long, it's been good to know you.) And boy, was it ever good to know Tim Russert and George Carlin.

TR was the real deal. An advocate for working class, taxpaying Americans who vote and who are trying to hang on and earn a fair and decent living in this country. These were the roots from which he sprang. No pol itics. No punditry. Just straight forward and often tough questions aimed at the accountability of those wielding the most power; most often in Washington. Plus, how could you not like a guy who was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan.

My earliest recollection of GC was his hippie dippy weatherman skit, probably on the Smothers Brothers show back in the mid-sixties. Even at 71, he never seemed to lose his kid-like innocence and enthusiasm for life, for our quirky American language, and for the everyday world we live in: large issues or small. Our counterculture hero's jokes usually targeted misplaced shame, religious hypocrisy and linguistic quirks. Here are just a few of his chestnuts gleaned from the Hartford Courant:

"Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?"

"I'm completely in favor of separation of church and state. These institutions completely screw us up on their own, so both of them together is certain death."

"The word bipartisan usually means that some larger-than-usual deception is being carried out."

"One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor."

"Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?"

"Whose cruel idea was it for the word 'lisp' to have an 's' in it?"

"Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?"

"If the No. 2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still No. 2?"

"One nice thing about egoists, they don't talk about other people."

"When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat."

"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time and what do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backward. You should die first and get it out of the way. Then you live in an old-age home; you get kicked out when you become too young then you get a gold watch and go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol; you party; then you get ready for high school. You go to grade school; you become a kid; you play; you have no responsibilities. You become a little baby; you go back into the womb where you spend your last nine months floating... and you finish it off with an orgasm!"

What more can one say except thank you for tuning in this month and Happy Birthday America!

Peace (and love) if you want it,

Rex & Neal

P.S. In deference to Dan Fogelberg's brilliance and my commitment to listen to more of his musical canon since his sad departure, I am in total awe of To The Morning. "And maybe there are seasons, and maybe they change, and maybe to love is not so strange..."

June 08 Newsletter Highlights

2008-06-04T20:47:00.002-04:00

We’re delighted to announce the debut of our NEW ATS WEBSITE this month designed by the saintly Alicia Cornelio. Alicia’s husband Dave and I are fanatic NY Mets fans and take in a game or two together every season. After taking 3 of 4 from the Dodgers, it looks they are finally turning things around. (If you are a true Mets fan you know these will be famous last words!) As much as we loved our first website which was built by dear Garth Cormier way back in 2000, Alicia’s design adds a more streamlined look and will be absolutely easier to navigate. We’ve added a few new links such as an interactive blog, set list requests, quotes and a “links” link which will feature websites of favorite artists and friends who we support and admire greatly. Due to time restraints we’ve only listed one link so far (but what a one!) and will continue adding on to it as we roll along. Don’t be shy to email us or better yet, post your comments or suggestions on this blog once you’ve had a chance to look it over.

Two other notes of interest include the imminent release of our ‘Live’ Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show CD with accompanying narration by the amazing Pete Fornatale. We are fine tuning it now with engineer Matt Billy after recording live last month at the WFUV-FM studios. This was done in conjunction with FUV’s spring 2008 fundraiser. A very enthusiastic audience was on hand to support us and WFUV at their new state of the art facility. We have not yet decided on a title but perhaps “Feelin’ Groovy” would suffice nicely. Suggestions anyone? The second “note” of interest (at least to me!) is the debut of my first ever children’s CD entitled, Stargazers (Songs for Kids of All Ages). This album features six cover songs (two of Donovan’s, and one each from John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Paul Simon and Kenny Loggins) plus six of my originals - all with backing instrumentation and vocals by dear Mad Agnes. For a sneak peak of Nancy Cote’s excellent cover art for Stargazers click on the discography link and scroll down to my solo section. You can look for both of these CDs later this summer.

We’d like to thank all of you who came out to hear us play last month (and me solo!) and who responded to our May mailer with personal notes about Dan Fogelberg and his music. Still so sad, but what an amazing legacy.

As always, we truly appreciate and adore you all. Pace and prosperity in these troubling tumultuous times.

Sincerely,

Rex & Neal

Set List Requests

2008-06-01T18:00:00.002-04:00

Now your song requests can be heard regardless of whether you are shy, embarrassed, or merely too inebriated to articulate the English language. Yes, that's right, there's no longer any reason to yell out "Whipping Post" at an Aztec Two-Step show.

To improve your chances of hearing what you want by at least 78 percent; tell us your name, the venue and city and the song(s) you wish to hear by submitting your requests below. A three-song limit please.

After clicking on "Post a Comment" link below, scroll all the way to the bottom to post your comments .

Jon Sencabaugh writes to ATS

2008-05-27T16:40:00.001-04:00

Dear Rex and Neal,
My name is Jonathan Sencabaugh of Medford Mass. I am a 22 year old singer songwriter, guitarist and drummer. I have my own band called The Influenced (www.myspace.com/theinfluencedband). I just want to say thank you for your songs. I am so passionate about music and my father just introduced me to your songs. He has been a huge fan since his college days at UMass in the mid seventies. He introduced me first to "Highway Song" and it is literally one of the best songs I have ever heard. Its such a haunting song and I can not stop listening to it. I feel so in touch with it. I know you must get a lot of emails and may not have time to respond but just as long as your read this email I will be happy. This music is what makes life so beautiful. I am going to be a father in a few months and being so young, it hasn't been all fun. My family and friends are real supportive but not they are not the only things getting me by. Your music is really giving me hope and no other music has really done this to me before. You both just play so well together and I needed to let you know. I hope to see you play live someday and I am going to be checking out any news of shows in the near future. Thank you again.
A new fan,
Jon Sencabaugh
jsencie@yahoo.com

May 08 Newsletter

2008-05-01T20:55:00.000-04:00

I don’t know why it has suddenly washed over me that Dan Fogelberg is gone. Maybe it was hearing his Souvenirs CD recently while driving with my friend Bobbi to one of our gigs. I received some mail immediately after his passing last December but it took until now for it to truly resonate with me. Dan is one of the singer songwriters that I always admired and wished we could have shared a bill with. “Same Old Lang Syne” is one of my all-time favorite songs, period. I think “Part of the Plan” is my second favorite of his and of course “Leader of The Band” is such a compelling song, especially knowing that his father really did conduct bands. Truth be told, I have barely kept up with his recordings but plan on immersing myself in his music now. While reading his on line bio I loved that he described himself as being “fearless” as a young aspiring artist. I know first hand this is what it takes to succeed in this crazy business. He (like me) dropped out of college to chase his dreams. Ironically, Dan ended up living and dying in the state I grew up in and dared to leave against all odds to pursue a career in music. One day I would love to return to Maine as well. After all is said and done, I can only say what an incredible life lived, how blessed he was and how blessed we are to have Dan Fogelberg’s music indelibly woven in our life’s fabric.

In June, Neal and I are performing several shows with Danny O’Keefe, another amazing singer songwriter. This will be our first time on the same bill with Danny and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about this. Besides having a top-5 Billboard hit with “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues,” Danny also had several Fm classics like, “Angel Spread Your Wings,” “The Road” which Jackson Browne covered on his live album, “Magdelana” and of course, “Catfish” which David Bromberg played on as well. Danny also has a co-write with Bob Dylan, a duet sung with Linda Ronstadt and has been covered by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson and a cast of thousands.
OK! Thanks again for your support and please do come out and see us while we all still can.
Peace, Rex & Neal

March 08 Newsletter

2008-05-01T20:53:00.000-04:00

In like a Lion out like an avalanche. OK, so much for global warming (just kidding!) as we shovel out here in the northeast. February was a relatively quiet month for ATS but yours truly had a fabulous time indeed by playing two shows solo in the Woodstock, NY area before traveling to Vegas (baby!) to see Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles extravaganza, LOVE. If you have only one vacation left in your lifetime you absolutely must see this show. I also got to hang in Tucson, AZ afterward with my two main Maine ladies Anna and Ann who treated me to LOVE for my 60th birthday present. I’ve purposely left out their last names because as you know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Tucson highlights included lots of hot tubs at Anna’s, golf on a beautiful sunny day w/Ann and an evening of delicious food and live music at Jim (of the Way Back Machine)and Rebecca Lipson’s home. Jim was instrumental in getting ATS to the Tucson Folk Festival back in 2005. I stayed an extra few days with Jim back then to see the amazing Sajuaro cactus in the even more amazing Sajuaro National Park. Life’s been good to me so far as well. So have my friends!

That’s about all the news that fits for now. Thank you all again and again for your undying ongoing support. As always, we can’t do it without you.
Peace & LOVE,
Rex (& Neal)

Thanks to our supporting DJs

2008-04-29T19:19:00.000-04:00

Spealing of DJs, we'd like to give a special shout out to Jerry Rubino and Mike Marrone of XM 50- The Loft, for featuring our one hour on air concert the entire month of March. thanks also to Steve Randolph of WRNJ-AM and Bill Nutt of WNTI-FM who did on air interviews with me to help promote last month's Stanhope House Concert in New Jersey. We'd also like to thank all of you who came out to see us perform last month. We are blessed and honored by your ongoing support - and for over thirty-seven years now. We simply can't do it without you.

Radio WBJB Thanks

2008-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time engaging with Tom Brennan and rich Robinson at WBJB radio on the campus of Brookdale community college in Lincroft, NJ this past week. we had originally scheduled this to promote our March 27th simon & garfunkel Songbook show with Pete Fornatale at Monmouth University and to help with the membership drive for this truly progressive FM station's fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, the MU show was cancelled a week before our scheduled performance. Never-the-less Pete, Neal and I kept our commitment to this fantastic public radio station and played live on air, then pre-recorded Pete's Saturday 'Mix Bag' show which has been airing on WBJB since 2002. Whoever sid no good deed goes unpunished got it wrong this time. The silver lining here, although too early to be official, is that WBJB and BCC may sponsor our S&G Songbook show on campus this coming fall in their elegant 360 seat Performing Arts Center. Did someone once say that living well is the best revenge, or was it hell knows no wrath like a folksinger (or DJ) socrned? LOL!