Hey R.B, I’m thinking you should check out the previous comments! After hearing about this record for years I finally went and picked up a copy (the recent Revola reissue) and good lord, am I glad I did. This is one that really deserves its legendary reputation, and the additional unreleased cuts are fantastic – almost a second album. I can understand how Clark and Brian may have been put off by Venet’s elaborate production touches, but I’m going to have to add to the chorus in saying that they really do expand the record’s character and are never overwhelming.

Digging “Forest Lawn” – that one really cracked me and my friends up on first listen.

One of my all time favorite albums. I wish I knew who was doing the lead vocals and what became of these two. Landscape Grown Cold is devasting. So many of the songs are so moving. It’s incredible that this album didn’t have more impact.

I was a sophomore at Oklahoma State back in ’67 when I took on the task of bringing in some big name entertainment to raise money for the residence halls there. With the help of the OSU business manager I selected and contracted for an appearance by Glenn Yarbrough. That was my introduction to show biz contracts, lighting engineers, ticket sales, safety & security regulations, whatnot.

One snafu putting the program together was that the contract stated that the drummer platform was to be elevated “12′ above the stage”. We contacted Yarbrough’s agent and asked “don’t you mean 12 inches, not 12 feet?”, and got the brushoff response “if it says it in the contract, you have to do it”. School safety officials balked, so the carpenters built a compromise eight foot tall platform instead. When the band arrived that evening the comment was “no way in hell I’m going up there!”, and we hurriedly arranged to have it knocked back down to twelve inches.

I had no prior knowledge of Maffitt & Davies before the show … but instantly came to appreciate their music once they started doing the opening warmups. I was watching in awe through the curtains offstage when this chubby little guy came up to me and said “they’re really very good, aren’t they?”. I agreed, and then realized I was chatting with Yarbrough himself! What a thrill for an Okie teenager! He asked about the stage issue, I explained, he apologized, and muttered something rataher uncomplimentary under his breath about his agent…

Next morning I was returning to my dorm from the Student Union (carrying my just-purchased Yarbrough’s “For Emily” and “Rain Must Fall” albums) when a convertible pulled up beside me and there were Maffitt & Davies themselves, recognizing me from the previous evening. Wanted to know where was the best place in town to go to “pick up chicks”! (Geez, like I would know!!!) I complimented them again on their great music, and thats when they told me they were coming out with an album of their own.

I promised them I would buy it as soon as I could find it. And now … I CAN! Thanks, guys!

I was lucky enough when I was just a kid to meet Yonnie Wells who introduced me to both Glen’s music and Maffitt & Davies music. Since my copy of Rise and Fall disappeared in my twenties, I’ve been relying on singing it in my head for at least 35 years!! Trust me, I know most of the words. I was thrilled to hear Landscape Grown Cold on this site and also found Kingswood Manor on YouTube.

Clark & Brian – Yonnie remembers you guys very well and would love to know how you’re doing and how to get in touch.

I can be reached at csumners@acc.org for info on my vinyl search, how to reach Yonnie or just general chatting about how wonderful these guys are!