Aztec Two-Step: The Folk Duo's Odyssey in the 70s Music Scene

Once a name that perked the ears of folk rock enthusiasts, Aztec Two-Step now stirs a curious intrigue among those unfamiliar with the duo's musical journey. Emerging in the heart of the folk rock era, Rex Fowler and Neal Shuman brought a poetic vibrancy akin to the resonance of The Byrds and the earnestness of Buffalo Springfield. Despite their musical prowess, their story echoes the all-too-common narrative of talented musicians overlooked by the mainstream.

The Beginnings of Aztec Two-Step

Their story of collaboration began in 1971 when Fowler and Shuman's paths crossed at an open mic night at a Boston coffee house. The connection was instant, and the pair swiftly formed Aztec Two-Step. Early on, they performed at a free coffee house in Harvard Square, quickly winning public favor with their engaging folk tunes and climbing the ladder toward artistic recognition, yet maintaining a sense of obscurity.

Playing in Central Park with open guitar cases for small change, their dedication to originality caught the eye of Elektra Records, home to some of the era's most celebrated artists. The resulting self-titled album showcased Aztec Two-Step's light yet intellectually rich folk style, with each track featuring harmonious acoustic guitars and reflective lyrics that resonated with the counterculture movement of the time.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Despite a well-received debut and an appreciative fanbase, especially among the college scene, their journey was not without its challenges. A second album that could have harnessed their initial momentum faced insufficient support from Elektra, and despite later signing with RCA for three more albums, commercial success continued to elude them. By the 1980s, the duo pressed on independently, cultivating a loyal following through their tours.

The 1986 release 'Living in America' even won them the New York Music Award for 'Best Folk Album', but it still wasn't enough to break through to widespread recognition. The challenges of the industry, including changes in musical trends and label support, left Aztec Two-Step on the periphery of the big-time music scene.

The Legacy and Resilience of Aztec Two-Step

Despite not achieving massive commercial success, Aztec Two-Step's influence on folk music and the period's cultural revolution is not to be underestimated. Their songs bore witness to an era's ethos, and their steadfastness to their artistic integrity has left a lasting impression. Following Neal Shuman's retirement in 2018, Rex Fowler teamed up with his wife Dodie Pettit to continue sharing their discography with audiences as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

While Aztec Two-Step's commercial success may not have aligned with their artistic contributions, their music continues to resonate with those who cherish the raw, heartfelt connection that folk music nurtures. Theirs is a story of perseverance and the unyielding pursuit of artistic expression that redefines success beyond the charts.

music, journey, folk