When the scruffy poet Abdias DeMarin met composer Chris Brenner one fateful winter evening in New York City on a photographers set, they had no idea they would even become friends. Struck by the young man's audacity and rakishness, Mr Brenner was intrigued but filled with reservations. That is until Chris picked up his guitar, and without being asked the fledgling bard pulled a group of hastily scribbled lines from his pocket, set them to the melody he played, and charmed him with his strange wit in a moment of pure spontenaeity. Soon after their collaboration bore fruit, and before long they began recording the ouevre of songs known as Friends of Dorothy. The mixture of pathos and oddball parody that characterizes their songs came to the attention of Don Reuben at EMI records, who helped to finance their recordings and lifestyle. Their sallies throughout the city are fondly remembered by many in the world of art and fashion, who were intrigued by the odd purple tapes that circulated in the thousands, which were rarely performed. The mystery of Friends of Dorothy seemed to build upon its own blend of rumor and intrigue. Adding to this medley,the background lyrics and songs contributed by the lovely and talented Carmen Hawk, and the technical virtuosity of their imcomparable bass player Bjorn Mayer, they touched the hearts of many with their lullaby-like tunes. Often compared to the velvet underground, many in Warhol's circle came to know and appreciate them. Sadly artistic differences with the then vice president of their A&R division, along with the eventual collapse and restructuring of EMI North America led to much strife and heartache. Mr DeMarin's depressive episodes, deepened by personal loss led to further difficulties. To the surprise of many involved in his career Mr DeMarin mysteriously dissappeared from the city, to pursue a reclusive life of study and reflection, dedicated to the creation of an ouevre of poems and illustrative paintings based influenced by his love of Romantic era and Fin de Siecle literature. Chris and Carmen pursued other creative endeavors..... Carmen found success with her great eye for style becoming half of the exciting design duo of JOVOVICH-HAWK and Chris continued writing and recording songs under the guise of Mr. B as well as writing music with French actress and chantuese Lou Doillon. Now FoD have re-emerged from thier artistic hermitage, and the songs that they love and remembered playing have again been brought to the fore with a renewed vitality and maturity. Hope you enjoy these songs from the mid 90's and thank you all for visiting
our page here in the wonderful land of Oz!!
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