Ramblers Ranch - Jim Thorpe, PA on May 27, 1999

Every time we leave a Marty show, I have said to Megan, "It can't get any better than this," but last night as we left the Ramblers Ranch, I heard myself saying those same words. It was just a special night. First, Ramblers Ranch sits atop a mountain and from the front deck you can look out over 30 miles of Pennsylvania beauty. Maybe Marty looked from that deck earlier in the day as he started the night with "High on a Mountain Top." Marty looked great as did the R&R Cowboys. They played a lot of the older songs the first half of the show. (I got the play list off the stage at the end of the show but Megan must have it in her Marty/Megan Room, and no one but Meg can find anything in there). The weak songs were a John Prine song and an instrumental right before the Pilgrim Set, something "Jailhouse". (it sounded like a Dick Dale and the Deltones surf song.) They were played great, but just did not fit in with the rest of the show.

My favorite new song is called "Reasons" and, of course, "Hobo's Prayer". This place was so great to see a show. I would guess maybe there were 900 people there and I walked around taking pictures the entire show. From the side I could get 15 feet away from Marty and the at the end right at the stage front. It was GREAT. The M&G was also VERY relaxed and not rushed, Mike was dressed in a Ring Masters type suit with a Top Hat. Brad even came out and was looking for a cousin who he found. The mood was SO relaxed and may I say it again, a very special night. I saw Margie M/A and I know she will add a woman's touch to this review and also the Lancaster show. I have to DJ a wedding tomorrow night so I will miss you all at the Lancaster show, but I hope it is as much an event as was Thursday night was in Jim Thorpe

Review by Del Bittle, West Chester, PA