"The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook" performed by Aztec Two-Step

Taking the songs of the famed folk-pop duo Simon & Garfunkel might seem a gutsy move, but for Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman, who have performed together for more than three decades, it seemed a natural fit. That’s because Aztec Two-Step have always faced comparisons to their far more famous predecessors. “The comparisons were obvious” Shulman said in a recent phone interview. “Two guys, similar types of songs, two-part harmonies.”

In 1999, the duo was the subject of a spirited documentary that aired on PBS, humorously titled, No Hit Wonder. Aztec Two-Step continues to impress its faithful audiences with intelligent songwriting, stellar guitar playing, soaring vocal harmonies, and the polished stage performances that come form years of touring together.

Approached last year by a longtime friend and music promoter about the idea of doing a tour focusing on the music of Simon & Garfunkel, Shulman says the two were ready for the challenge.

“They were certainly an influence on our songwriting and singing,” he said. “I can still remember where I was when I bought my first Simon & Garfunkel record.” For a musical duo so used to playing together that rehearsals became more of a “see you at sound check” kind of thing, learning the music of Simon & Garfunkel proved challenging – and exhilarating.

“It was hard to learn all those songs – we do about 20 Simon & Garfunkel songs during the show – but we also really enjoyed it,” he said, adding that some people will check out the show simply because of the curiosity factor.

“We’re not trying to duplicate what they did; we’re interpreting their work,” Shulman explains. “I think in that sense, this show will appeal to both our fans and Simon & Garfunkel fans.” Simon & Garfunkel’s music has stood the test of time, he says, because they took folk-pop songwriting and vocal harmonizing “to the highest possible level.”

“I can still hear ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and wondered ‘could this get any better.’ Paul Simons arc has lasted over decades and what he has done, he’s done better that just about anybody. I think people will find the experience really very fun and enjoyable.”

Saturday’s Aztec Two-Step show will cover Simon & Garfunkel’s entire career, including early hits like ‘Sounds of Silence’, ‘Scarborough Fair’, ‘The Boxer’, and later numbers, such as ‘Cecelia’, and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters.’


By Nicole Pensiero, Courier-Post

Performace: Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer, NJ
- The Courier-Post (Friday, February 24, 2006)

I’ve already received dozens of glowing comments since Aztec Two-Step wowed our audience with the premiere of their Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show this Thanksgiving weekend. There was an atmospheric lure to the evening, created from a combined love for Aztec Two-Step and the S&G canon, that helped make this performance a rousing success.

A record-setting crowd of more than 400 people sang along nostalgically to S&G hits like ‘Cecilia,’ ‘The Boxer,’ ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ and ‘Hazy Shade of Winter.’ Rex and Neal punctuated their set with youthful recollections of Simon & Garfunkel’s music, then electrified the audience with an encore of classic ATS favorites. In fact, this concert was even more pleasing than an actual Paul-and-Artie show, since these two guys actually like each other, and show it!

Scott Shelton, Director/Sanctuary Concerts, Chatham, NJ (2005)
- Sanctuary Concerts