The story of Rex Fowler and his band Aztec Two-Step is intertwined with the history of folk/rock music in America. Originating from a chance meeting at an “open mic night” in Boston in 1971, then taking their name from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Rex and his former music partner Neal Shulman went on to record four albums on Elektra & RCA Records, helping to usher the music of the 60’s into the 1970s and beyond. The duo performed worldwide, was critically acclaimed in major U.S. newspapers, reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine, and appeared on numerous radio and TV shows including The King Biscuit Flower Hour, World Cafe Live and David Letterman. With a career built on progressive FM and college radio and non-stop touring over five decades, the duo appeared in concert with The Band, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Donovan, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne, Seals and Crofts, Carly Simon, Heart, The Beach Boys and so many more notable artists. ATS and their music still resonate as they celebrate their 2022 induction into the New England Music Hall of Fame citing their "musical dedication to the New England scene and community, and their inspiration, contribution and commitment to the creative excellence of music in New England."
Following Neal's 2018 retirement, Rex has continued to expand his musical legacy alongside his wife Dodie Pettit, an accomplished singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and an original member of Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera as well as other Tony Award winning productions. Rex and Dodie first met during an Aztec Two-Step recording session in 1979 (she was on lead electric guitar and vocals on their "Times of Our Lives" album), then miraculously re-connected and married in 2018. Together they are the heart and soul of Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
Impressing audiences with dazzling musicianship, intelligent songwriting, and soaring harmonies, ATS 2.0 has recaptured the multi-layered dimension of Rex & Neal’s original studio recordings, performing favorite ATS classics and old forgotten gems from their earlier albums. “The old songs done in this new lineup brought new life to the music. This truly is a band that people need to experience!!” - Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM/ Folk Music Notebook/ Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club, NJ