Rex Fowler — co-founder of Aztec Two-Step — says of the 53-year-old duo, “We’re a household name. But we’re in a select few households.”
After the retirement of Neal Shulman — and his marriage to singer/actor Dodie Pettit, who took Shulman’s place — the band is now Aztec Two-Step 2.0. Their home base is Westport, where Pettit lived with her husband Kevin Gray. The “Phantom of the Opera” star died of a heart attack in 2016.
Fowler has just published a memoir. “See, It Was Like This …” chronicles his life in the music world. From Johnny Cash knocking on his dressing room door at the Bottom Line, to sharing a stage with Bruce Springsteen, Fowler has had a memorable half-century career.
But the very readable, quickly engaging book is about much more than music. Fowler grew up in Connecticut and Maine, and he brings those carefree but not-easy days to life with wit and insight.
Fowler has quickly become an important part of Westport — and a big fan of it.
“I have such admiration for this town,” he says. “From Paul Newman’s philanthropy, to the great library and Levitt Pavilion, it’s an amazing place.
“Dodie and I have been supported by everyone. We take exercise classes at the Senior Center, and get computer help there. It’s all been very heart-warming.”
Fowler has made “great new friends” like musician/promoter Roger Kaufman.
Though he modestly says there are “far bigger celebrities” than himself here, like Michael Bolton, and Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, both acts opened for Aztec Two-Step back in the day.
Fowler’s memoir is available at AztecTwoStep.com. Click here to order.
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Speaking of Aztec Two-Step: Rex Fowler met Joe Meo here almost 5 years ago, and brought him into the band. The saxophonist died unexpectedly in November.
He played with Johnny Mathis, Billy Vera, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Pointer Sisters and Aretha Franklin, among many others. Click here for a full obituary.
A memorial service will be held today (Sunday, February 11, 2 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport; click here for livestream).
Joe Meo
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Wesley was out early the other day — to greet the sunrise at Eloise Ray Park, and model for “06880”‘s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Maxx Crowley)
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And finally … On this date in 1534, Henry VIII was recognized as supreme head of the Church of England.
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Hope the Library might have a presentation by Rex to introduce his new book.
I haven’t heard Aztec Two-Step 2.0 but I saw Aztec Two-Step a few times when they came to Maine and played at the Maine Festival. Rex broke a pic and threw it off the stage. I picked it up and later he autographed it. I still have it. I’m a fan. Fun to have him connected to the town I grew up in. I wish Aztec Two-Step 2.0 all the best.