Aztec Two-Step plays Simon & Garfunkel and a Tribute to the Everly Brothers

What: Aztec Two-Step plays Simon & Garfunkel, and a Tribute to the Everly Brothers

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21

Where: Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dug Way Road, Brownfield

Tickets: $25, www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/index.html or 207-935-7292

BROWNFIELD — Renowned folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step will perform their own “fan favorites” as well as selections from their Simon & Garfunkel Songbook and a tribute to The Everly Brothers at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dug Way Road.

Bursting on the scene in 1972 with their self-titled debut on Elektra Records, Aztec Two-Step’s first album and three subsequent albums for RCA Records were staples of progressive FM and college radio, and helped usher the music of the 1960s into the ’70s and beyond. Since then, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together as the folk-rock duo that takes its name from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Richard Cuccaro, publisher of the esteemed NYC music magazine Acoustic Live states, “Aztec Two-Step is possibly the best acoustic duo in the world today” while Variety stated, ”… the right sound at the right time … beautiful acoustic guitar playing and questioning lyrics … songs performed with forceful vocals and near perfect instrumental harmonies.”

Recording and touring non-stop since the early ‘70s, Fowler and Shulman have accumulated 40-plus years of awards, accolades and TV and radio appearances that include the David Letterman Show, World Café Live, and the King Biscuit Flour Hour, and have graced countless stages including those of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

In 1987, the duo’s “Living In America” received the New York Music Award for Best Folk Album and was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll, and in 1999 they were the subject of “No Hit Wonder,” a documentary that aired on PBS.

In 2005, they released a career-defining “Days Of Horses” CD to rave reviews. Five of the album’s 11 songs, including their baby boomer anthemic “Better These Days,” were penned by Shulman.

And, the title track “Days of Horses,” written by Fowler, was used as the opening and closing music in the 2012 documentary “Selling Cars in America.” Of this CD release, 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.”

In 2007, the duo’s song “The Persecution and Restoration of Dean Moriarty (On The Road),” initially released on their debut album, was included in Rhino Records’ “Forever Changing–The Golden Age of Elektra Records 1963-1973,” the story of this landmark record label and the music that defined an era. The song, according to Jack Kerouac’s biographer Dennis McNally, was the first recorded about Kerouac’s iconic novel “On The Road.”

Also in 2007, Real Simple magazine named the duo’s self-titled debut as one of the top five classic folk albums, joining works by superstars Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs.

In 2012, to commemorate their 40th anniversary year, Fowler and Shulman released their 10th studio CD “Cause & Effect” (Red Engine Records). It is a collection of 16 socially significant songs, produced by Paul Guzzone, who also produced their “Days of Horses” CD, and features their long-time bassist Fred Holman. The album is a combination of re-worked previously recorded songs and newly mined material.

The duo’s 2008 live recording “Time It Was — The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook” (Red Engine Records), features narration by the late legendary deejay and music historian Pete Fornatale, who provided commentary and insights based on his interviews with his pals Paul & Artie.

Aztec Two-Step’s ‘72 Elektra Records debut often elicited reviews of them as having the “east coast sensibility,” “intellectual lyricism,” and “ethereal harmonies” of Simon & Garfunkel. And possessing a rich musical legacy of their own, few groups, if any, are more qualified to interpret and perform the timeless songs and harmonies of their legendary predecessors.

Defined by intelligent songwriting, dazzling acoustic lead guitar & inspiring two-part harmonies, after 43 years Aztec Two-Step continues to be one of acoustic music’s most respected and enduring acts. This is sure to be a special evening of Fowler and Shulman performing their own music and paying tribute. And as Fornatale once said, “Any artist that presents themselves before an audience as a duo, whether it’s Simon & Garfunkel or Aztec Two-Step, owes a debt to Don and Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers.”

Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/index.html or call 207-935-7292.