New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Tom Dean & Rex Fowler) - One of the most unique tributes to
John Lennon come from fellow musicians, namely the folk/rock artists Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare. Together, they have produced "Imagined: The
John Lennon Song Project," a thoughtfully re-imagined tribute that celebrates the genius and artistry of Lennon.
The Imagined CD, combines a number of Lennon's songs in new and unexpected ways, weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of single songs and mini-medleys.The CD also features Dean's former band mate Alana MacDonald and a host of talented musicians who provide backing on acoustic and electric guitars, bass, cello, violin, mandolin, accordion, chromatic harmonica and percussion.
In conjunction with the release of the CD, Imagined: The John Lennon Song Project live concert will be touring this fall and throughout 2011.
Aztec Two-Step burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. Since then, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together as the folk/rock duo Aztec Two-Step. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim. In 1987 Living in America, received the New York Music Award for Best Folk Album and was named in Billboard's year-end critic's poll.
Of their 2005 release, Days of Horses, 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 June 2007, Real Simple, a popular national lifestyle magazine, named Aztec Two-Step one of the top five classic folk albums joining work by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Tom Rush and Phil Ochs. The article cites the duo as "surpass[ing] Simon and Garfunkel for exquisite harmonies, musicianship and emotion." Aztec Two Step continues to be one of acoustic music's most popular and enduring acts.
For 30 years, Dean, MacDonald and Herb Ludwig toured the US and Europe and released five CD's. A devoted fan base followed these three musicians from coast to coast to hear the shimmering three part harmonies and award winning songs that have earned them an international reputation.
In 1988, Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun heard them and signed them immediately to his record company. Their CD "Walking On Ice" was released to critical acclaim in 1988. Its title track reached the Top 20 on the national AC charts and was a breakthrough NAC hit.
They immediately began work on their next CD "Bye Bye Route 66" which was released in January 1992. This CD spawned the singles "If You Could See Me Now" and "Bye Bye Route 66" which received rave reviews from radio and print media. It also earned them a nomination for "Best New Act" at the 1992 Boston Music Awards.This CD, produced by Fowler and Dean, is dedicated to the late Herb Ludwig and John Lennon. All songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney except Imagine by John Lennon and Johnny's An Angel by Rex Fowler.
The CD is already drawing rave reviews from those who have heard unfinished versions of it. One such person is the legendary disc jockey, rock and roll historian and author Pete Fornatale:
"With these intelligent heartfelt renditions of Lennon's best known songs, The John Lennon Song Project ranks right up there with the very best Lennon interpreters ever," Fornatale said. "Rex and his project mate Tom Dean have taken their respect, admiration and affection for John to a whole new level on this CD. Their stream of consciousness approach to the Lennon catalogue is completely unique and the perfect vehicle to convey and demonstrate the many layers, moods and textures of John's greatest music. One listen to these intelligent, heartfelt covers will convince you that Rex and Tom have been infused with the spirit of John Lennon."
"Absolutely Brilliant! I've been listening non-stop. What an amazing job of paying homage to Lennon and the Beatles and creating music that has so much of your own style and class. I can't wait to go on the radio and start spinning tunes from it. Album of the year!" - Ron Olesko, host of Traditions, WFDU-FM, Teaneck, NJ
"Rex and Tom have brought a fresh new approach to John Lennon's Beatle tunes with innovated arrangements that infuse their own style into longtime favorites. I particularly enjoyed the fact that they work with some songs in the Lennon and McCartney catalogue that are not often covered while also developing interesting new medley combinations not heard before. " - Ken Best, WPKN-FM, Bridgeport, Conn.
