Music
Ryan & Brennish Thomson
Updated Feb 2, 2024
Music
Updated Feb 2, 2024
December 21, 2021
Hi: Just a note that I truly appreciated your talents and performance, and have had many good comments.
Merry Christmas
Doug L.
Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts
January 10, 2020
A very belated, but HUGE thank you for playing at the Blaisdell Library Festive Scottish Tea in December! We raised over $800 for the library programs and upkeep - we couldn't have done it without you. As one tea goer told me, "This was magical!"Attached are a few not-so-professional photos, but hope you enjoy them!
A very happy New Year to you both,
Charlotte Fyfe
for the Friends of Blaisdell Library
December 21, 2015
Hello, we just this moment rec’d the above book! Thank you so very much for such super fast shipping. The book & dvd are Christmas gifts for our son who injured his hand quite badly 18 years ago. Prior to that time, E. played violin in a bluegrass gospel group. He had been in the group since the age of 12 and was a member for 14 years. He’s never played since; but recently as he says….”I just felt a spark of interest getting back into playing again.” That ‘spark’ has grown dramatically. Again, thank you and your staff for sending us Left Handed Fiddling at this time. Your efforts will make our son’s Christmas one to be remembered! May God bless all of you abundantly. C and D M.
October 5, 2014
And especially we thank you for the rousing concert last Thursday evening. You had the gang in the palm of your hand, tapping their feet and joining in lustily to Jambalaya. It was great fun.
Harry and Gerd Westcott/Noyes
Group 2 RoadTrekers
September 17, 2014
Ryan and Brennish were amazing and made my daughter's wedding very special with their talents of music with all their instruments!!!! They were extremely accommodating, playing at the pre ceremony, then playing while walking the guest trough the woods to our home to the ceremony. He was so flexible dealing with the changing weather conditions . He is so very pleasant and was a joy to work with!!!!
Feb 26, 2014
Hi Ryan & Brennish!
Just wanted to say again how enjoyable it was being on the stage with you both this last Saturday! Being backed up by musical talent when I'm calling is always my goal and it was an immense help to make the evening a fun loving event for both dancers and I!
Looking forward to the next time with you!
Cheers,
Don Heinold (Caller)
June 20, 2012
Thank you for being a part of our 15th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Ryan and Brennish You had everyone tapping their toes! - Trish. The music was wonderful! Thanks for being a part of the dinner. - Jennie, What a joy it was to listen to you both. - Ann
New Hampshire Made - 2012
April 18, 2011
thanks. i like your nice music.
best regards from dortmund, Germany
akkordeonmusik
klaus
April 18, 2011
L. has made a comment on "Haste to the Wedding" on irish celtic Fiddle by Ryan Thomson:
just realised that you use your left hand to bow, first time i've ever seen this (did you teach yourself) you're very good.
April 14, 2011
has made a comment on Ryan Thomson plays tex mex on tiny toy miniature piano accordion squeeze box:
Aww I love it. Just ordered myself a toy accordion :D
April 14, 2011
John has made a comment on Banjos and Bones - "Cluck Old Hen," "Cold Frosty Morning," Ryan Thomson plays clawhammer style:
Wonderful job! I enjoyed greatly!
April 14, 2011
Lewis has made a comment on Ryan Thomson plays tex mex on tiny toy miniature piano accordion squeeze box:
Greetings Ryan! Now I've got a mini piano accordion for my birthday right now.
cheers from Scotland! Lewis.
April 12, 2011
Furby has made a comment on Ryan Thomson fiddles "Turkey in the Straw," old time music:
allsome
April 10, 2011
T has made a comment on How to position, setup, and adjust a violin or fiddle bridge, by Ryan Thomson, "Captain Fiddle":
Great job!
April 8, 2011
Dan has made a comment on "Morpeth Rant" old time fiddle, - Ryan Thomson, english tune:
I'm learning this tune right now, nice to see other Americans playing it! :)
April 8, 2011
Aly has made a comment on "Over the Waterfall," on old time fiddle by Ryan Thomson:
wow! way ta go! :D
April 8, 2011
B. R. has made a comment on "Morpeth Rant" old time fiddle, - Ryan Thomson, english tune:
As a Northumbrian who lives in Morpeth its really cool to hear an American play this tune. I didn't realise it was so well known outside our area! Excellent work mister, you are good :)
April 2. 2011
G has made a comment on Clawhammer Banjo, celtic Irish polkas played by Ryan Thomson:
Nice bones!
April 2, 2011
Eric has replied to your comment on banjo bridge adjust setup and position for best intonation, tuning, by Ryan Thomson:
Thanks very much.
March 31, 2011
C has made a comment on Left Handed Violin Playing, Part 1, by Ryan Thomson "You have a choice!":
Thank you so much for this! I'm just learning how to play the violin, and I took it to a violin professor at my university, and he snapped when I showed him my left-handed violin. He pretty much acted like it was something blasphemous--first time he had seen one too--and I felt terrible about it.
March 31, 2011
Leon has made a comment on "Top of Cork Road" Irish celtic jig and reel, Ryan Thomson on fiddle "Captain Fiddle":
I used to dance to this!! I won my first medal with this song :)
March 31, 2011
OTM has made a comment on "Bosco Stomp," Boogaloo Swamis, Captain Fiddle - Ryan Thomson on cajun violin
Very nice.
March 31, 2011
K. has made a comment on "Milwaukee Blues" - The Last Chance String Band, old time fiddle banjo music:
This is awesome. Love it.
March 30, 2011
R. has replied to your comment on "Sail Away Ladies" - Last Chance String Band, old time violin banjo:
Great, Ryan. Can't wait for your DVD! Thanks!
March 27, 2011
B. has made a comment on Violinist Ryan Thomson plays both left and right handed fiddles, teaches how:
wow! I didn't know it was possible to play violin left handed!
March 27, 2011
has made a comment on German folk tune on violins by the Fiddling Thomsons at Winter Festival:
Sehr Schön ! ;-))
Greetings from Germany.
March 26, 2011
Hey I saw some of your playing on youtube and man! I wish I could jam with you guys! I'm a piano player myself and love Ragtime and Blues music...
M. S.
March 26, 2011
K. has made a comment on "Mississippi Sawyer" square dance fiddle tune - Ryan Thomson:
beautiful!
March 24, 2011
X has made a comment on Left Handed Violin Playing, Part 1, by Ryan Thomson "You have a choice!":
Thank you so much for the information. My daughter is going to be starting violin in the fall, and she's a lefty. I hadn't realized how much different it was for a lefty violin. I'm hoping her teacher will be willing to teacher her as a lefty!
March 18, 2011
has made a comment on How to position, setup, and adjust a violin or fiddle bridge, by Ryan Thomson, "Captain Fiddle":
WOW YOUR TUNE WAS AWESOME!!!
B.
March 14, 2011
You were great! Thanks again for accommodating us on such short notice.
Thank You!
Tara
TaraAnn O'Connor
Area Marketing Manager, East Coast
AVI Foodsystems, Inc
March 11, 2011
has made a comment on Swallowtail Jig, celtic Irish tune fiddled by Ryan Thomson:
awsome for a lefty
March 7, 2011
Hi just found youon youtube and loved your vamp on piano. I really would like to learn to do this but don't know how to buy in dollars! Can you let me know the latest price of your instruction DVD and also shipping cost etc.......I think your playing is brilliant.
Many thanks
T.
UK
March 7, 2011
G. has made a comment on "Sail Away Ladies" - Last Chance String Band, old time violin banjo:
Grouse! that's aussie speak for"i love it".
cheers from downunder
March 5, 2011
B. has made a comment on "Goodbye Lisa Jane" - Last Chance String Band, old time fiddle banjo music:
This is some great oldf time music thanks for posting it
March 4, 2011
TV has made a comment on banjo bridge adjust setup and position for best intonation, tuning, by Ryan Thomson:
A lot of help, thanks!!
March 3, 2011
Ryan and his son were wonderful. I would recommend them again and again!
T.S.
February 23, 2011
F has made a comment on "Brother Ephus," Last Chance String Band, New Hampshire Folk Festival, banjo fiddle:
First time I've heard this band.They're great!They do the oldtime tunes the oldtime way and that's just wonderful.I'm gonna buy everything these good ol' boys have recorded!!!!!
February 22, 2011
ryan,
I'm running into your arrangements of traditional tunes all over the place.
Jeff M.
February 20. 2011
C has made a comment on "Sail Away Ladies" - Last Chance String Band, old time violin banjo:
Hi there...Love the music. Is there a DVD of this performance available for purchase?
Christine
February 18, 2011
T has made a comment on Crawdad Wranglers - "Jambalaya" on cajun accordion, fiddle, Milford, NH, Ryan Thomson leader:
hell yes from england...
February 18, 2011
M.M. has made a comment on "Chicken Reel" by Ryan Thomson, old time appalachian fiddle style:
Very good job..
February 17, 2011
Your lessons have helped me, tremendously.
R. P.
February 17, 2011
Good luck with your classes. I know so many enjoy your playing and teaching.
Tara
February 15, 2011
has made a comment on "One Hundred 100 Pipers" on celtic fiddle by Ryan Thomson:
Actually, Ryan's a rightie! He used to play right-handed, but he injured his left hand and was unable to finger the notes property, so he taught himself to play lefty. He has a book on left-handed fiddling.
February 14, 2011
Thanks for being part of our celebration again – it was a lot of fun.
Best regards,
Heidi
Heidi Duncanson
Director of Marketing & Community Relations
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
www.childrens-museum.org
February 6, 2011
has made a comment on Left Handed Violin Playing, Part 1, by Ryan Thomson "You have a choice!":
Also, bless you sir for validating my hopes that somewhere in the world there are people who play right handed fiddles left handed. And they're Scotts for cryin' out loud! Scottish fiddling was my plan all along and fits with my musical education. I think I'm going to check out your book.
February 3, 2011
D B has made a comment on "Sail Away Ladies" - Last Chance String Band, old time violin banjo:
yeah, thats the way its done boys
February 3, 2011
R has made a comment on How to position, setup, and adjust a violin or fiddle bridge, by Ryan Thomson, "Captain Fiddle":
THANKS ALOT!
February 2, 2011
P. P. has made a comment on Sean Ryans Irish polka, tin whistle, fiddle, by Fiddling Thomsons:
Nice playing...
January 27, 2011
Pie has made a comment on Thomsons fiddle and sing Jambalaya, First Night Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dec 31, 2009
Nice sound, my compliments.
January 26, 2011
D has replied to your comment on How musician Ryan Thomson beat his focal dystonia disability!:
4stringjoe Thanks a lot :)
January 23, 2011
D has made a comment on banjo bridge adjust setup and position for best intonation, tuning, by Ryan Thomson:
i love your playing. thanks for the great video
January 20, 2011
T A has made a comment on Lord MacDonalds reel at Raspberry Farm, Hampton Falls - Fiddling Thomsons
Wow, that's very nicely done!
January 18, 2011
P R has made a comment on Ryan Thomson plays tex mex on tiny toy miniature piano accordion squeeze box
What a smile! You are just radiating joy... and that's what the accordion is about.
January 17, 2011
O B has made a comment on French canadian fiddles, wooden spoons, Fiddling Thomsons - Nashua Library
Sounds great. Hope the folks there appreciated it :)
January 15, 2015
V K has made a comment on "Irish Washerwoman" fiddled by Ryan Thomson
Sounded great and i love that fact that you made the violin lefty friendly!!!!!! that is such a fun one to play fast!!!!
January 12, 2011
has made a comment on How to Buy a Violin Fiddle, DIY guide quality economy best deal used instrument, by Ryan Thomson
Thanks dude, I play drums and guitar but i've taken an interest in the violin and you're video was pretty helpful! 90% of the other beginner violin related videos are just ridiculous.
January 12, 2011
A Z has made a comment on "Goodbye Lisa Jane" - Last Chance String Band, old time fiddle banjo music
Thanks for sharing this video. I started a page that presents the text of selected 19th century dance and play songs. I reposted your video under "Goodbye Lisa Jane" so that I and other folks could get a sense of how that tune sounds. Google Cocojams American Banjo and Fiddle Songs.
January 10, 2011
V C has made a comment on "Haste to the Wedding" on irish celtic Fiddle by Ryan Thomson
It sounds beautiful...!!! Congratulations and best wishes from Perú :
January 9, 2011
comment on How musician Ryan Thomson beat his focal dystonia disability!
Thanks for this video. I'm a guitarist and I'me also suffering from dystonia from the right hand (the one wich is holding the pick)... Chris (Lyon-France)
January 8, 2011
has made a comment on "Ten Penny Bit" Irish celtic jig played by Ryan Thomson on fiddle
Awesome Captain! Is the video backwards or are you really doing it that way?
January 7, 2011
has made a comment on "Ships are Sailing," Irish celtic reel on fiddle by Ryan Thomson
Nice i love this reel
January 1, 2011
M. D. has made a comment on "Minor Swing" - Webber Trio with Ryan Thomson - violin, French Gypsy Jazz tune by Django Reinhardt
Bravo vive Django
Michel
December 29, 2010
L V has made a comment on "One Hundred 100 Pipers" on celtic fiddle by Ryan Thomson
Awesome! And you're left handed too! So cool!
December 25
has made a comment on Left Handed Violin Playing, Part 1, by Ryan Thomson "You have a choice!"
I just got a violin today and I
am left handed but this is my first time ever playing one and I'm already getting tunes in low and high sounds on a right handed vioilin so yay! This video helped.
December 23, 2011
G K has made a comment on banjo bridge adjust setup and position for best intonation, tuning, by Ryan Thomson
i love your playing. thanks for the great video
December 19, 2010
Bobbie has made a comment on Turlough O'Carolan Irish tune on fiddle and whistle - Fiddling Thomsons
very good music!
December 18, 2010
Thank you for the book!! I am really enjoying it already!
and it wasdelivered so quickly!
Merry Christmas
:)N S
December 15, 2010
has made a comment on "Minor Swing" - Webber Trio with Ryan Thomson - violin, French Gypsy Jazz tune by Django Reinhardt
Excellent performance, I loved it. all the best and Thumbs up. G.
December 15, 2010
O B has made a comment on Polka on piano accordion and violin fiddle - Fiddling Thomsons
You guys are terrific. I love the variety of traditional tunes you do.
December 14, 2010
C R has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons play "Jambalaya" at Newmarket Heritage Festival, on cajun fiddle and accordion
YES YES YES tis how Jabalaya should be played straight from the heart
December 12, 2010
N O has made a comment on "Minor Swing" - Webber Trio with Ryan Thomson - violin, French Gypsy Jazz tune by Django Reinhardt
that was wonderful !!! thank you very much to share
N O has made a comment on Appalachian fiddle - Old Molly Hare - Fiddiing Thomsons
that was great; thank you
December 11, 2010
J O has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons perform "Eskimo Ootpik" waltz, Portsmouth First Night, 2009
I especially like the ending. I always have trouble with endings. I used your video to learn to play the chords to this on my guitar. Thanks!
December 10. 2010
N L has made a comment on Gypsy banjo and fiddle - Fiddling Thomsons - "Fast dance" from Hungary
love it
December 9, 2010
has made a comment on Cajun fiddle - "Bayou Two Step" - Ryan Thomson
haha you know - if I saw you walking down the street I would have NO IDEA that you played the fiddle hahaha. Awesome!!!
December 6, 2010
O B has made a comment on Canadian fiddle music performed by the Fiddling Thomsons in New Hampshire.
Nice example of this style of fiddling. Thanks
December 6, 2010
J G has made a comment on Thomsons fiddle Irish jig set at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, First Night Celebration, 2009
that was really great guys, i just visited your town not to long ago, the place is absolutely gorgeous, keep up the great playing!
December 4, 2010
J D has made a comment on Ryan Thomson fiddles "Turkey in the Straw," old time music
woot jimi hendrix of the violin/fiddle
December 4, 2010
D B has made a comment on The Devil's Dream and the Mason's Apron - Fiddling Thomsons, Nashua NH
Great Duo!
December 4, 2010
has made a comment on Wooden spoons Canadian percussion, fiddle - Fiddling Thomsons
He's great at the Fiddle.
December 4, 2010
V N has made a comment on "Minor Swing" - Webber Trio with Ryan Thomson - violin, French Gypsy Jazz tune by Django Reinhardt
Another left handed fiddle player, that makes two that I have seen in my entire life.
Great sound keep it up.
December 3, 2010
Ryan,
I saw a copy of your book—an early edition, small, some years ago—and thought it was real slick. I’ve played bluegrass/old-time for some 40+ years now, in New England and California. I’ve gigged, taught, and been up and down the mountain a few times. (Still doing all this.) Played a lot of contradances, some square dances; attended umpteen jams; forgotten so many arguments about the “right” way to play a given song. Anyway, from this skewed and fragmentary viewpoint, I’d say that your book is about the neatest presentation of the most sensible chords of far and away the most tunes I’ve seen. So, thanks for the book.
Bill
December 3, 2010
has made a comment on Ryan Thomson demonstrates Contra, Irish, ceili dance piano back up vamping for fiddlers
Really Cool. Thanks for posting!
December 1, 2010
A B has made a comment on Ryan Thomson fiddles "Mairi's Wedding," a celtic scottish tune
That sounded great!
November 23, 2010
has made a comment on Fiddle version of "Farewell to Whiskey" by Ryan Thomson
That was great :) Really enjoyed it! Your playing style is very much like my daddy's and grandpa's was.
November 15, 2010
Kassy has made a comment on "Smash the Windows" on celtic fiddle by Ryan Thomson
beautiful!
November 12, 2010
Ranger has made a comment on How to position, setup, and adjust a violin or fiddle bridge, by Ryan Thomson, "Captain Fiddle"
I just bought a new violin and searching the internet for information. While looking for instruction on setting the bridge, I found your video the best and most thorough for understanding. Thanks
November 11, 2010
M R has made a comment on Scottish celtic fiddle - Money Musk "Monymusk" Ryan Thomson
Thank you Ryan for your music. I am re-reading The Laura Ingalls Wilder books and I came across a website that had a chapter called "Pa's fiddle". I was so excited to be able to hear for the first time in my life the music of Laura's childhood, but was disappointed that instead of a fiddle, they used a synthesizer instead. Why go through the trouble of adding the tune to the website but without the sound of an authentic fiddle? It was a joy to hear and see you play your fiddle. Thank you!
November 3, 2010
C L has made a comment on "Fire on the Mountain" old time fiddle tune played by Ryan Thomson "Captain Fiddle"
im playing this song tomarow! For the fall showcase!! :D
October 31, 2010
has made a comment on Ryan Thomson plays tex mex on tiny toy miniature piano accordion squeeze box
Well, I take my hat off to you :), good stuff.. :) I see some use an accordion to support themselves, (sometimes it's the only means and way they can in some countries), also music is a way of life for some. Nice :)
October 30, 2010
Your DVDs and method of instruction are terrific.
D D
October 28, 2010
has made a comment on Old time Appalachian square dance fiddle tune - Kitchen Gal, by Fiddling Thomsons
You are FABOULOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!! I love Buddy Rich & Fiddle Thomsonssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss !!
October 26, 2010
has made a comment on "Mackimoyle's Reel" canadian fiddle tune - Ryan Thomson
that was some crazy good fiddling
October 24, 2010
has made a comment on The Fiddling Thomson's, Ryan and Brennish, perform the "Huntsmans Chorus"
hey i have 3 other buddies.....2 of them play baritone and my other friend and i play tuba and we r playing this song for all state solo and ensemble
October 24, 2010
K has made a comment on Bones champion Steve Brown, and Ryan Thomson on fiddle, perform a set of celtic irish jigs
I like this kind of music.
October 21, 2010
has made a comment on Ryan Thomson sings at cajun zydeco dance, Salem MA, fiddle accordion guitar
splendid my friends!!!!
October 14, 2010
Ireceived the DVD a couple days ago, and it's exactly what I was looking for! I am a fiddler who wants to play backup for others and it will put me on the fast track to do so. Thanks a bunch.
L S
October 13, 2010
Z S has made a comment on "Irish Washerwoman" fiddled by Ryan Thomson
certainly fiddle! i kn0ow cuz its super hard to vibrato that fast! your awwwwwwwwsome!!
October 13, 2010
Cowboy Ron has made a comment on Cajun fiddle - "Bayou Two Step" - Ryan Thomson
nicely done ! 5 thumbs up, if only i had 5 thumbs. oh well 5 stars!
October 12, 2010
Pender has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons play "Old Molly Hare" twin fiddle style in the Anza Borrego desert
That was great! :)
October 12, 2010
R B has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons - Egans Rattling Bog, Irish celtic polkas, pennywhistle fiddle, at Bella Rose
Wish I could have been there to play along with my Bodhran!! Fun tune and you play very well together. :-)
October 10, 2010
Alt has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons in Balboa Park, San Diego, twin fiddles - "Over the Waterfall"
Amazing !!!!
October 8, 2010
Kat has made a comment on "Fishers Hornpipe" played on fiddle by Ryan Thomson "Captain Fiddle"
Very nice, and you look like you're enjoying it!
October 5, 2010
B has made a comment on How to position, setup, and adjust a violin or fiddle bridge, by Ryan Thomson, "Captain Fiddle"
thank you cpt fiddle
October 1, 2010
Hey, no problem, you're an amazing player ~wish I could play violin as well as you~
D
October 1, 2010
M has made a comment on "Milwaukee Blues" - The Last Chance String Band, old time fiddle banjo music
Sweet performance, this is the kind of music I totally enjoy. Thanks for sharing it
M has made a comment on "Milwaukee Blues" - The Last Chance String Band, old time fiddle banjo music
excellent 5*****& shared
October 1, 2010
I G has made a comment on banjo bridge adjust setup and position for best intonation, tuning, by Ryan Thomson
Thanks!!!!
September 30, 2010
Doah has made a comment on Violin and Fiddle tunes, blues, Irish slip jig, and cajun two step played by Ryan Thomson
great!
September 27, 2010
O B has made a comment on Newmarket Heritage Festival 2010 - The Fiddling Thomsons fiddle Bluegrass
Very nicely done. Thank you.
September 23, 2010
Hi Ryan,
Thank you on behalf of all of us at The Ranch Golf Club for your great performance here this week. I am looking forward to next month’s event already. Please bring some flyers and/or business cards do I can refer you to other groups!
Warm regards,
Maria Coughlen
Event Coordinator
The Ranch Golf Club
(413) 569-9333 Ext 214
September 21, 2010
Ray has made a comment on Old Time Banjo, Soldiers Joy, Ryan Thomson, clawhammer style.
Good stuff!
September 20, 2010
NY W has made a comment on Rock style fiddle violin jamming by Ryan Thomson
Ryan was one of my favorite musicians to jam with in my eccentric Folk-Rock endeavors back in the 80's. I'd play with him ANY day! He really "got" the sound I was going for.
September 19, 2010
99 has made a comment on Fiddling Thomsons fiddle and clog to french tunes at concert in Durham, New Hampshire
I just listened to barge play this and would rather here you guys anyday there music seems to lack feeling.
September 18, 2010
G B has made a comment on "Top of Cork Road" Irish celtic jig and reel, Ryan Thomson on fiddle "Captain Fiddle"
Badass!
September 17, 2010
B has made a comment on "Over the Waterfall" on fiddle and bones at Durham Unitarian Church by the Fiddling Thomson's
Wow! A great performance. Love the bones, Captain! And Young Thomson--GREAT WORK!
September 16, 2010
N L has made a comment on Red Haired Boy Irish reel by Fiddling Thomsons for Hampton Historical Society
Nice to see families keeping the tradition alive... great job, both of you :)
September 15, 2010
Good morning genius!
Well it has been about a month since I received your tutorial DVD, and now I have evolved into a hopelessly addicted boom chucking maniac. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I have been having, sitting at the piano with my swipe book of contra tunes. As I do not have a fiddle or flute playing friend readily available, I have had to sing "la las" for the melody as I play the rhythm and harmony. It has truly been a wonderful month of experimentation and discovery. I can figure out most tunes, but still have a problem with some.As with most things in life, the more you do, the better you become, I guess.
thanks Ryan,
G
September 14, 2010
Y K has made a comment on "Over the Waterfall" on fiddle and bones at Durham Unitarian Church by the Fiddling Thomson's
This is gonna be a banjo friday tune. Good stuff!!
September 14, 2010
Hi Ryan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful article about Left Handed Music Making:
http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/arts/thomson.htm
I am a fiddle teacher in California who grew up playing classical music and switched over to fiddling several years ago. I currently have 45 children in my studio between the ages of 3-18. I have a student who I started teaching at the age of 7 who is left handed. We went for about a year before I decided to switch her bow arm to her dominant side and voila! it was magic, she is now 13 and fiddling away left handed!
C M
September 13, 2010
I just listened to several of your tunes on Youtube. I think you guys are really good. I noticed you were playing at the Blueberry fiddle festival, and I just found out that some old acquaintances of mine also played there. I used to play fiddle in Northern Ca. in the town of Mount Shasta. The Bryan Family used to live there, and we played together a lot. I haven't heard from them in about 20 years, but saw there names on the Blueberry fiddle festivals website. Great bunch of people. I still pick up the fiddle every now and then, but I haven't improved any since I was about 13. I played for about 2 1/2 years under the instruction of Evelyn Horner. I guess I need to get back into it. Keep up the good work.
J M
September 10, 2010
Hi
I have been really enjoying your music with the Last Chance String Band on youtube. Are there any other recordings I could listen to - I'd be more than happy to pay for them!
Thanks
Ben
September 8, 2010
B Y M has made a comment on Last Chance String Band, NH Folk Festival, old time acapella gospel
love it!
September 5, 2010
J B has made a comment on Cajun fiddle - "Bayou Two Step" - Ryan Thomson
i love your music ryan!!!!
September 3, 2010
S S has made a comment on Ryan Thomson fiddles "Mairi's Wedding," a celtic scottish tune
skillz
September 2, 2010
A L has made a comment on Twin accordions playing Chopique cajun two step, Ryan Thomson leads, Bedford - Great tune. Very good performance. I like this music. I would have been dancing with the kids! Fran
A L has made a comment on Old time appalachian square dance fiddle tune - Kitchen Gal, by Fiddling Thomsons
Good tune. Well done..It really gets those feet tapping. Fran
A L has made a comment on Starbucks Music night - Fiddling Thomsons play bluegrass in Manchester, Ragtime
Love this music! We don't have this at our Starbucks...We are underpriviliged. It is a pleasure to hear you all play together. Fran
A L has made a comment on Starbucks Music night - Fiddling Thomsons play bluegrass in Manchester, Ragtime Annie
Great. One of my favorite tunes. Very well done.
A L has made a comment on Starbucks Coffee and the Fiddling Thomsons - Soldiers Joy, old time twin fiddles
Great! Fran
A L has made a comment on Cajun Zydeco dance party Ryan Thomson Crawdad Wranglers New Moon Coffeehouse
I like your choice of music. Good group and good performance....This tune has been a favorite of mine for years. I first heard it performed by Jimmy Sturr orchestra. Fran
September 1, 2010
P P has made a comment on Gypsy banjo, clawhammer "Friss csardas", by Ryan Thomson
Thank you mister for the song. It was beautiful! Especially the run that comes around 00:32.
August 31, 2010
O L has made a comment on Irish reels, fiddle, whistle at Rollinsford Garden Club festival - Fiddling Thomsons
Great job. Love those reels.
O L has made a comment on Country Bluegrass twin fiddles at Starbucks, Manchester, NH, Fiddling Thomsons
Great fiddling.
August 31, 2010
SH has made a comment on Turkey in the Straw, old time bluegrass fiddle version by Fiddling Thomsons
Great playin'!
August 26, 2010
Good morning Ryan!
I was pleased to have received, a couple of days ago, your DVD on Piano Accompaniment to Fiddlers. I am grateful that there are talented people like you in the world who generously share their gift with others who are wanting to learn more of the magic of the New England music genre.
G
August 22, 2010
M D has made a comment on "Haste to the Wedding" on irish celtic Fiddle by Ryan Thomson
you're soooooo good! =) Can i just say that you sir have real talent.
By the way i love your version! I can't stop listenning to it! & i can't believe you figured THAT out by ear.(I believe you!) I am definitely subscribing now.
Thank you for this video! :D Regards!
I'm gonna learn that someday. :|
August 22, 2010
Great !
I discovered your book when I was playing IN Splash Dance NC for contras. I have seen how useful it is and easy to use. I presume you have all songs from Portland Selection in it...
Cheers
C M
August 20, 2010
M W has made a comment on Gypsy banjo, clawhammer "Friss csardas", by Ryan Thomson
wow that song is fantastic!
August 20, 2010
Mr S has made a comment on Cajun fiddle - "Bayou Two Step" - Ryan Thomson
Nicely done good sir
August 18, 2010
We had an excellent overall experience with Ryan Thomson/Captain Fiddle. He was extremely responsive and communicative by email and phone, very pleasant, professional, and clear. Based upon the information he gave us, together we were able to select a lovely repertoire for my parents anniversary party. He arrived on time, interacted very nicely with us, listened carefully to the information we gave him about the party and the guests, and played beautifully. His music was perfect for the garden party we had planned. We would hire him again!
K H
August 10, 2010
J B has made a comment on Old Time Music on Clawhammer Banjo - "Cluck Old Hen" Ryan Thomson:
Ryan , I love the way you play, no big deal, you just say I going to play this song and then do it.
And you do it well. I am very enchoraged by your stly . Real natural , and easy going.
Sounds great. I love the old time tunes.
August 10, 2010
Thanks for being part of our festival this year.
Angela
New England Folk Festival
August 9, 2010
Hello Ryan,
I just want you to know, that here it is 3 years later, and I am still learning new songs from your "Teach Yourself Fiddle" series. I cannot thank you enough for publishing these CD's and accompanying books. Do you have any plans for producing a "slow jam" session on CD using these tunes? If so, please let me know when it is available!
~ Still Learnin' ~
S K
May, 2010
Ryan,
Thank you very much for all your help at PYW's annual fiddle contest and silent auction. We truly appreciate you stepping up to help judge the open competition. As you know the evening was a great sucess - we raised a lot of money for PYW's music and arts programs. We hope to see you guys again at next year's contest!
thank you
Zach and Paula
July 3, 2009
First I want to thank you for your book, Left Handed Fiddling for Beginners.
Trying to find a reasonable playable left handed violin and a willing teacher
was a challenge. Your book was a great start for learning. Nowadays I found
a great teacher who has been instructing me for one year now. Nevertheless I
go back often and review your book and DVD.
M.L
St Augustine, Florida
June 18, 2009
Dear Mr Thomson
I just wanted to take a few moments to thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you for our facility BBQ on Tuesday June 16th. Our event would not have been the grand sucess it was without your availability.
sincerely,
J.K. HR Manager
Greenbriar Terrace Healthcare, Nashua, New Hampshire
March 12, 2009
Thank you for coming. We enjoyed your music. Hope to meet again!
Amy and Meals On Wheels
Brentwood Site
New Hampshire
April 28, 2009
Hi, Just placed an order for the Folk Musician's Working Guide. to Chords etc... I picked up Fiddle Tunes and Variations at NEFFA. - I listened to the CD's today and got all excited, what a great book, can't wait to learn all of the music theory I never understood after 10 years of Suzuki as a kid.
Thanks, T.
Quincy, Massachusetts
February 29, 2009
My wife has been playing regularly, going to jams. So great to have those that are successful who want to give back. The book arrived yesterday. She's delighted to have it. Thanks,
R.B.
Exeter, Rhode Island
February 12, 2009
Hi Ryan, Thanks again to both of you (Ryan and Brennish) for your performance
today. Everyone had a wonderful time. I'll be in touch again in the next few months.
K. T. /Meals on Wheels
Sunrise/Sunset Activity Center
January 23, 2009
Hello Ryan, I'm a guitar player and the clawhammer is such a different feel from fingerstyle guitar the right hand technique is so important for us guitar players to master. Anyway wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your teaching, I read your story about having to become a lefthanded fiddler, wow! what an ordeal to have to go through! I relayed the story to a southpaw buddy of mine and it turns out he 's been using your instructionals to learn fiddle and had already appreciated your story. Thanks for the teaching!
all the best, B.
Brooklyn, New York
January 5, 2009
Hi Ryan, I have had your Accordion Jam Session DVD for about a year now. I really enjoy it and it has been very helpful in my piano accordion playing (I think I bought it through Elderly Music)
M.
Seattle
November 11, 2008
Very, very pleased with Ryan Thompson's appearance at our event. Ryan has an unassuming, warm personality, and the guests at our event thoroughly enjoyed his performance and his friendliness. He readily solicited requests, and moved effortlessly from fiddle to accordion. Ryan made a major contribution to a very enjoyable event.
P.K. - Taste of France
Winchester, Massachusetts
October 20, 2008
Hello Ryan,
What terrific music you provided for us at Church of the Advent on Saturday night! Thank you. Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoyed meeting you and the band members and Brennish. What a talented, nice young man! Several people have inquired about your CD's so I directed them to your web page. It was great to see you again. Thanks once more for helping us make an enjoyable evening for our Gulf Coast fundraiser.
Best wishes,
Jeanne
October 10, 2008
Dear Mr Thomson
It was a pleasure and an honor to be with so many supporters and new friends at the October 4th Riverwoods Auction Gala. Your support helped generate record breaking results for this year's event.
Best Regards,
Robin Drunsic
Executive Director
Squamscott Community Commons
October 9, 2008
Ryan
It's steve from the NE Folk Music Festival (I bought 3 tapes from you, said I would learn for concertina)Well correction, I have an old A4 Gibson mandolin from ebay, and I am SO happy to have these tapes. They are just perfect and it is so much more relaxing to learn by ear, the learning tempo is wonderful, and when you name the notes, I can be right there with you. Plus these are just the sort of old timey and celtic tunes I want to learn, less BG, more heartful old-time. By listening and repeating, I feel so much more relaxed, and I know it will stick better. That's the plan anyway.
Captain Fiddle tapes, not just for fiddle anymore :)
If you want to quote my testimonial for mandolin application somewhere, feel free. There is an advantage in my mind for a mando player to learn from fiddle since that's what many of the players are trying to catch, the spirit of anyway.
Steve
Sept 21, 2008
Hi, our family saw the Crawdad Wranglers about 7 years ago in August at a gazebo near Wells beach. My husband has worn out all of the CD's I bought for him. He asked you to contact you to see if the Crawdad's would be playing somewhere in Maine so that we could see you again. Please let me know.
S.S.
May 26, 2008
Ryan,
Thank you. You are an awesome teacher. I have nearly worn out my beginner's DVD Thank you so much for the wonderful things you do to promote music. especially for us "lefties." best regards,
M.G.
May 2, 2008
Hi Capt. Fiddle,
I am still trying to wear out your great instructional dvds and cds.
I favor the Irish fiddle and thanks to you I can play quite a few Irish
tunes so keep those Irish tunes coming.
Bob M.
April 29, 2008
Hi Ryan -
Thanks so much. Every summer we spend some time playing with a contra dance band, and the fiddler in that group likes to play all sorts of arcane, esoteric and little-known tunes. It's great to have your chord book handy for those things. We've lent out the copies we had, and they didn't come back, but we're glad that others are getting to use them.
Best wishes.
J.S.
April 10, 2008
Ryan,
I have your "Great Bay Stomp Banjo" CD and can play several of your tunes
off that one. "Watch Those Eels" really impresses a lot of people I've played that one for. My wife got me a Fiddle a few Christmases ago but I've found it to be the most challenging stringed instrument I've ever tried to play. I'm writing this from work right now, so I will have to look at getting an order in to you later once I get home.
Regards
T. C.
Bremerton, WA
April 9, 2008
Hi Ryan,
What tunes are played on your Banjo Clawhammer DVDs? I purchased your Accordion DVD - Superb - Its really got me going!
regards,
P.S.
UK
February 15, 2008
Hello Ryan,
A few years ago my wife bought me a walking stick flute after hearing one played in colonial Williamsburg by one of their cast members. So I recently bought your DVD "Celtic Wooden Flute" to start learning how to play it. Thanks for making the DVD!
D. C.
Jan 4, 2008
Hi Captain Fiddle,
I just want to thank you for having the best fiddle lessons on the internet. I have both fiddle DVD's and I have learned to play every tune thanks to your slower clear instruction, unlike some of the other DVD's that teach at almost full speed which are very hard to follow.
B.M.
East Meadow, New York
Sep 30, 2007
Dear Ryan - What a wonderful contribution you made at my family's event! Hope we can do it again! Thought you might appreciate the photo. Thanks again!
Donna S.
Sanford, Maine
November 30, 2007
On Behalf of the Winter Holiday Stroll Committee, thank you for your participation in the 14th annual Winter Holiday Stroll. We are grateful for your partnership with downtown Nashua and Great America Downtown. Thank you!
Anne Maas, Chairperson
Oct 22, 2007
Dear Ryan -
Our thanks to you and your son for coming to our celebration Friday night and adding so much fun and specialness to the event. You are both just wonderful and we really appreciate you taking the time!
warm regards,
Ann and Laurie
New Hampshire Made
October 20, 2007
Many thanks for your DVD accordion Jamming. Really Excellent
P.S.
UK
September 22, 2007
He did a wonderful job for our seaside wedding! He was very accomodating and overall a lovely person to deal with. Great job!
A.V.
Portland, Maine
September 15, 2007
Dear Ryan and Brennish,
Laudetur Jesus Christus! Thank you so very much for your enthusiastic participation at our festival last month. Your set was most enjoyable and your leading of the contra dance indispensable!...Thank you again and may our lady bless you!
Sister Maria Philomena
Blueberry Fiddle Festival 2007
September 5, 2007
Ryan,
This is the BEST way for me to learn. Since watching the DVD, I got up the courage to take out the fiddle and ran into the bony collarbone against the shoulder rest and went out and got a different one based on your DVD suggestions and i'm off and running. I still haven't finished the DVD as i keep going back and redoing parts. It is so realistic that at one point i walked around my computer thinking i could see the other side of you if i did. So, to wrap up, I'm living my dream: retirement and at least TRYING to fiddle and now i feel so much more confident as if i have a question, i just back it up and listen again. I'm more relaxed at home and I think that helps too. The book is great as well. I'm using them together.
THANKS AGAIN, this was the BEST investment i ever made for my music dreams. A MAJOR BARGAIN AT TWICE THE PRICE!!! And you can quote me on that!
Best,
S.S.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
September 4, 2007
Dear Crawdad Wranglers,
Thank you for your support in this year's First Annual Cultural Festival.
Helen Franco. Americorps Vista Member
August 26, 2007
Thanks Ryan,
I learned a lot from your Irish fiddle dvd and I can play three of the tunes with hardly any mistakes and I am now working on learning the other tunes due to your very thorough direction. I hope that you come out with more Irish fiddle dvd's soon.
R.M.
East Meadow, New York
June 22, 2007
Ryan,
S and I enjoyed your dual concert with your son very much last night...it sounded even better after we moved inside. I'll be ordering several of your CDs over the weekend. Thanks again!
B. K.
Salem, New Hampshire
June 10, 2007
Thanks Captain Fiddle,
Jill and I are learning a lot from your book. What a joy this little instrument. I thank our maker each day for it. Though I'm sure my neighbors don't yet share my joy. Have a great day. I look forward to your next project and once again thank you for such a great teaching tool.
M.
New Mexico
May 26, 2007
Greeting Ryan, A few weeks back I purchased the wash tub bass DVD from you. I just want to let you know how much fun I'm having with it, I made the bass and its great. Thank you so much for producing what you did and your son was just amazing in it!
T. V.
Bethel, Vermont
April 29, 2007
Hey Ryan,
One week after NEFFA and I've been working away on Lesson 1 in your Banjo
kit. By george, I think I've got it ! Getting ready to go on to Lesson 2.
Thanks for the great teaching method you use on your DVD's. They're
definitely working for me.
B.B.
Toronto, ON Canada
March 1, 2007
I just happened upon your web site and I spent quite a bit of time reading all of the interesting areas. I found it to be very well done and very interesting.
J.L.
Durham, New Hampshire
February 5, 2007
I love this book. (Folk Musician's Working Guide) I play clawhammer banjo by ear and was mystified by some things.
R.W.
Port Townsend, Washington
December 9, 2006
Hi Ryan:
I am enjoying your instructional materials. Learning has been fun.
Happy Holidays! Thanks,
R. S.
Margaretville, NY
November 30, 2006
Hi captain fiddle!
I'm Matteo from Italy. I already have your dvd on piano accompaniment and I would like to know if you are going to realize the level 2......
thanks so much U R GREAT
M.
Italy
October 24, 2006
Ryan,
I received your Clawhammer Banjo Kit yesterday. It's FANTASTIC! I am so pleased with the way
you teach. I may eventually get your fiddle course. Thanks again,
D. C.
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Sept 26, 2006
I have really enjoyed your Fiddler's Almanac, thanks for sharing your wisdom!
K. C.
Chantilly, Virginia
September 18, 2006
Hi, received the cd/tab book yesterday. Love your playing and choice of tunes. All I have to do now is get down working my way through the tab!
Cheers, F. ( just north of Liverpool on the Irish Sea coast)
September 14, 2006
Hey Ryan,
Just writing to say thank you for your performance at our wedding reception. We recieved so many compliments on the music. We had a number of overseas guests who had never heard Cajun or Old-Time music and they all loved it! I especially enjoyed jamming with you all for a few tunes. Thanks for adding a special touch to our wedding day!
B. and M.
August 8, 2006
Thank you for making our festival a great event!
A. T.
July 15, 2006
Dear Ryan - I thought you would enjoy having these photos from the Arts Conference - I always get duplicates. It was a wonderful week for me - thank you so much for your generous musical gifts to us - the music that just seems to "happen" is always a treat.
J.S.
Hamden, Connecticut
July 4, 2006
Hi, I just ordered your Great Bay Stomp tab book (I already own the CD and really enjoy it).
D.F.
San Francisco, Califronia
June 28, 2006
Thanks again for a wonderful, informative and entertaining week. (Star Island Conference on the Arts)
T.C.
Plymouth, Massachussetts
June 26, 2006
thanks alot for putting together such a great book of chords; i already have one and wanted another for a gift.
J.K.
Lowelville, Ohio
June 13, 2006
Thank you again - we all loved your music.
D. H.
Kingston, NY
May 24, 2006
Ryan - I really like both CDs! I play the contra dancing one while shaving and showering - good acoustics in the bathroom!
R.R.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
May 6, 2006
It was a pleasure working with you. Everyone said great things about you too. Thank you for adding something very special to an already special day.
L.H. New York
February 28, 2006
Dear Ryan,
I just wanted to let you know I received your book and have really enjoyed using it. Several of our friends play various instruments and jam regularly. I don't play by ear or read music well, so your book has allowed me to play along with most of the tunes they play. Thanks so much.
C. B.
Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
December 6, 2005
We went to your fiddle workshop at Nomad ages ago and have since taken up the fiddle. Liked your first book so much I am getting this one for my daughter for Christmas.
J.N.
Connecticut
November 15, 2005
Dear Ryan,
Thank you again for bringing your wonderful musical talent to our wedding. It was so much fun and a real pleasure to meet you - Your playing added so much.
J.
La Jolla, California
November 4, 2005
Thanks so much. I played music last night with a group in C. (9 fiddles, 2 mandolins and a couple of guitars - talk about a wall of fiddles!) and one of the players had your book. I'm one of the mando players, but your chord book is perfect to tuck in the case when we come up against a tune we don't know.
M. J.
Oct 10, 2005
Thank you. Your kind gift to Light the Night Again! will help lighten the lives of patients and their families cared for by Seacoast Hospice. On behalf of River Woods at Exeter and Seacoast Hospice, and those they serve, we acknowledge your generosity and we thank you warmly.
August 29, 2005
Hi There: Heard your music on Sandy Sheehan's show(WUMB). I loved it & thanks for the free shipping(much appreciated especially for a music fanatic like myself). Keep the great music coming. All the best,
John C.
Boston, MA
May 19, 2005
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the book! I have been benefiting from your helpful suggestions -- I especially took to the advice of practicing all patterns through the circle of 5ths (F# and C# -- yuck!). It's also very nice to have discography, printed material and camp resources all in one place.
thanks again!
C. B.
Minneapolis, MN
May 9, 2005
Dear Mr Thomson
Our Enrichment Day was a tremendous success due to your generous contribution of time, effort, and enthusiasm. The students here are still talking about the things they learned and the activities they experienced first hand.
thank you again,
Diane Sawyer, Enrichment Day Coordinator
Cooperative Middle School
Stratham, New Hampshire
April 26, 2005
I strolled by your workshop and it certainly looked like the kids were enjoying
themselves. I'd love to have a day like that! Thank you so much for coming and
sharing your talents.
Dale Velena,
Oyster River Arts Fest
March 16, 2005
Thanks for bringing a special touch to our wedding. We received several compliments from our guests on your music and everyone said it made the dinner quite special.
P and K. M.
Massachusetts
February 6, 2005
Thank you, Ryan, for entertaining at our Parish Appreciation Social. We all enjoyed your music. Thanks again.
C.B.
St. Mary's Church
Rochester, New Hampshire
January 15, 2005
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for doing such a fabulous job playing at our October 23rd wedding. You were so easy t work with. It helped make a stressful time that much easier. We only wish we'd been in the room to hear more of your music! What we heard was exactly what we'd hoped to have at our wedding, and our guests had a ton of praise for your fiddling as well. Wishing you all the best in the new year,
A.S.
Natick, Massachusetts
January 9, 2005
Hi Ryan,
I got your CD a few days ago, so the shipping was very fast!
It´s a nice CD, good no-extra-frills old-time sound! Of different banjo
styles I like most clawhammer and Irish tenor, so I'm happy to have your CD.
Clawhammer solo albums are not especially numerous...;-)
A.L.
Helsinki, Finland
January 9, 2005
WOW! thank you so much! We got your booklet and built the washtub very easily with your excellent instructions...
D.K.
December 30, 2004
Loved the c.d. Because we listen to Bluegrass every Saturday night after Prairie Home Companion, our son was given the Saturday Night Fiddler, which he thought was very special. George got the cajun and I, got duets...how much more perfect could it have been....
Thank you so much!
P.
December 27, 2004 -
My son is enjoying your first left handed banjo lesson and I'm sure once he's learned the first, he'll be wanting your second version lesson.
D.T.
November 4, 2004
Dear Ryan,
Just a little note to let you know that we were so impressed with your musical talents! All of our guests commented about the outstanding music. Thank you for helping to make our 300th house celebration such a special and memorable day for all!
with sincere appreciation,
the G. family
Marshfield, Massachusetts
October 23, 2004
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for helping to make our wedding day so special, and for being so easy to work with.
A. and M.
Natick, Massachusetts
October 18, 2004
Hi, Ryan -- Thanks for playing at the Manchester dance. We had a great time being away, and I understand the dancers had a great time while you were there!
A.
September 22, 2004
Hi Ryan,
THANKS for sticking with us on Saturday. You were a trooper--and definitely added a bit of cheer to an otherwise pretty dreary day! Plus--you made the paper (nice photo!) On Sunday the crowds came out with the sun, and we had our best day ever. Thanks again for being with us this year, even in the wet and soggy circumstances. We really appreciated your music and your good spirits.
Suki Casanave
Festival Co-Chair, Newmarket Heritage Festival
September 12, 2004
Ryan I hope you enjoyed your time in P.E.I. Claire enjoyed her lessons with you.
J. Q.
West Boylston, Massachusetts
August 28, 2004
Ryan,
We'd like to thank you for a wonderful performance last Saturday -- it was all we had hoped for and more. Everyone attending said they had a mighty time. Your fine music made the afternoon fly -- and we had nothing but complements about you're playing. We'll keep track of you on your web site -- we'd certainly like to hear a few more of your performances and we do get up your way quite frequently.
Thanks again.
P.K.R
Dedham, Massachusetts
August 20, 2004
Hi Ryan,
I was at the class you taught in Eastham on Cape Cod. I had a great time learning fiddle techniques and tunes from you.
K. B.
Eastham, MA
June 30, 2004
Dear Capt. Fiddle,
Thank you so much for making the long and perilous journey to the Cape last night to teach us.
I think that I echo everyone who was there in saying thank you, we all enjoyed it immensely and found it very helpful. Hope to see you soon.
Another aspiring fiddler,
R.T.
June 30, 2004
Hey Ryan-thanks soooo much for our class last night. I really enjoyed it. I am the biggest novice of our fiddle group and my teacher stopped giving lessons so I am just learning from the group now. Of course if I practiced more I would get better but there is only so much time in a week when you work full time. I know...a bad excuse is better than none. Anyway, I will listen to your tapes and try to play along as many of the songs are ones the group does that I don't know. Hope you had fun and a safe trip home. Come again sometime when you can spend some time and enjoy the Cape.
P.M.
June 30, 2004
Hi Ryan!
Thank you so much for making the long trek to Cape Cod (Land's End!) to share your time, energy and gift of music with our fiddle group! You reached all levels of players with your down to earth, calm and fun approach to learning. The tips you gave us were invaluable and we love the new tune we learned.
I've been receiving emails all morning thanking me for working on creating a "master class" track for our group.....most of whom have never had any classes or specialized training. I'm so happy that L. recommended you to us and assisted in getting you on our calendar!!! I think you are the favorite by far!!!!
I had to chuckle as this morning several emails indicated friends had stayed up last nite to listen to your cds or tapes! HA! That is certainly the sign of getting motivated and excited about the potential learning ahead.
I hope you got to drive out to Ptown and experience the Outer Cape and how wonderful this area is......I've only been here three years but it is a special place.
K. is very excited (the "maybe" left hander!) that she will be in your neck of the woods for school this fall and may be able to do some studying with you....we are all jealous! Can't tell you how many comments I've already received wishing you were closer to take lessons from. I said that is where your resources can help us out......I have picked out so MANY of your books and CDs to order....so much music, so little time!!!!
Ryan, it was such a pleasure having you among us...you are a real treasure! May our paths cross in the future....and thank you again from a very appreciative new fan!!!!
Have a wonderful July 4th holiday!
J.S.
June 30, 2004
Dear Ryan,
I hope you enjoyed your time at the cape and teaching us as much as we did! I found your teaching style to be just excellent! I appreciated the slow build up to the tune. I'm sure I will enjoy the CDs and hope to send for more in the future.
I hope we can get you to come back and teach again, too!
B.A.
June 17, 2004
I just got it* and played through about half the book. Lots of variety, crystal clear printing, no spine to mess with...I'm very impressed. I can see using this book for a long, long time. Thanks for putting it together.
J.S.
Columbus, Ohio
*Waltzes for Folk Instruments and Country Dancing
June 15, 2004
Ryan,
Thanks so much. I'm FINALLY starting to get this clawhammer style.....and it is really a lot of fun. Your DVD is "a picture being worth a thousand words". So, these songs are really getting fun to play. Thanks again.
M. M.
Nashville, Tennessee
June 13, 2004
I'm retired, and I enjoy music as a student. I must say that I really enjoyed your book, "Fiddler's Almanac.......I was amazed how jam packed with facts, stories, varied articles and down right good info."
J.G.
Aston, PA
June 8, 2004
Dear Ryan,
Thanks so much for braving the cold and rain to come play at this year's festival. I wish the weather had been better so more people could have heard you, but those who did really enjoyed it. Many thanks,
Susan and the festival committee
Hadley Spring Arts Festival
June 7, 2004,
Ryan,
Thank you, very much, for performing at our event. You were great and what a nice personality you have!! I look forward to hearing you play at other events (and maybe at our's again next year!!). Your donation of time and talent is much appreciated!
Linda Higgins
Executive Director
Ethel's Tree of Life, Inc.
May 20, 2004
Ryan,
I am a purchaser of your Great Bay Bay Stomp CD and Tab and have since learned many of the tunes. It is a really great CD and I continue to enjoy it very much, especially when playing it on my Honda Goldwing while cruising down the road.
C.T.
Bremerton, Washington
May 20, 2004
Dear Ryan,
Thank you very much for sharing your story with the Fort Worden Oral History Program. Your memories are a precious gift, one that only you could give to the future. We are working to make them accessible to scholars, genealogists, and historians by archiving the tapes, transcripts and other memorabilia according to professional standards.
Patience Rogge
Fort Worden History Center
May 10, 2004
Hi Ryan,
First, I want to greatly thank you for writing the book "A Folk Musician's Working Guide
To Chords, Keys, Scales, And More." I had put off my passion for music till "midlife" and now I am trying to quickly learn the crucial basics while an hour glass snickers behind me. Your book is clear, concise, greatly needed and ... approachable. Nice job.
B.D.
New Hampshire
May 5, 2004
Thanks Ryan,
Please pass this note along. I'm spreadin the fiddlin' fever out here in the Rockies - teaching lessons from the lessons my father taught me from the lessons you taught him.
J.I.
Lake City, Colorado
May 3, 2004
Dear Mr. Ryan Thomson,
I received your excellent CD named "Great Bay Stomp" and
their Banjo Tab Book today. I received it by perfect safety package.
I have listened your CD soon. I like your clawhammer style very much.
And your tab book is wonderful. I am enjoying your tablature and
very rare pictures on it. Thank you very much. I don't forget your kindness.
S.I.
Tokyo, Japan
April 29, 2004
You always seem to have such a fun group*, and such wonderful music.
Thanks - Cathy Walz
Director - Kittery Adult Education
*I taught an 8 week course in "How to Play in A Contra Dance Band, " finishing up with a contra dance at the last session.
April 17, 2004
Dear Ryan, i loved your C.D. it was great, I have been listening to it alot. anyone into good clawhammer music should hear this album. thanks again.
M. E.
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 26, 2004
Hi Ryan, heard your music, inspired, bought a open backed
banjo, and being taught "clawhammer drop thumb" way
of playing. thank you for "getting me goin" glad you
like our music god bless
K. W.
Wales, UK
March 22, 2004
...by the way, I have your banjo CD and your learn the fiddle CD/Book set, Enjoying them a lot! Your playing motivates me to reach new levels. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration!
T. L.
West Sand Lake, New York
February 3, 2004
Dear Captain Fiddle,
I'm tired of loaning out my book, so would like to purchase two more: the Great Bay Stomp banjo tablature....
K.J.
Montana
January 24, 2004
Fast delivery and the clawhammer CD is awesome...well worth the money!!!
November 11, 2003
Dear Captain Fiddle,
I loved your music. It was EXACTLY what I had envisioned for my wedding. Thanks so much for agreeing to be present.
C.L.
Massachusetts
November 7, 2003
Hi, I really enjoyed Great Bay Stomp CD! It is hard to find good clawhammer solo work--I really dug it. I was trying to figure out what tuning you were playing "Cold Frosty Morning", because I only know how to play it in the "sawmill tuning".
Best,
J.
November 4, 2003
Dear Ryan I wanted to thank you again for performing at the Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival. We really enjoyed your music and wanted to thank your for the two CD's you gave us. With your help, the festival was a big success for the first year.
Sister M. P
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Oct 5, 2003
Hi,
I have several if not all of your cds. I find them very helpful and very rewarding to learn something by listening. I am an adult fiddler that just started teaching myself 3 years ago. Ok so I learned Jesusita Lindo Polka, great song! Fun to play!
R.B.
May 18, 2003
Ryan !
I found you on the net a year or so ago, lucky me. I ordered the cd's for learning fiddle, I was a little premature for your cd's but I'm glad now I have them, so much to learn by my self.
L. S.
Gallop, New Mexico
April 10, 2003
Ryan,
Thank you so very much for the "Tune Collector" sampler CD you sent me. I've got it on right now and it is really good. I really like the diverse mixture of tunes you got on there. I'm a "tune collector" myself, but I have no musical talent. Instead, I own 3000+ CDs and DJ on college radio. By the way, I'll be featuring your CD in its entirety on my May 4 program. Once again, thanks for the CD and for keeping the music alive...
Johnny Timewarp (Matt Schuyler)
WFCS 107.7 FM
March 25, 2003
Dear Mr. Thomson
The Newmarket Historical Society thanks you very much for joining us last evening and giving us such a fun and interesting talk on music. We enjoyed hearing you play and learning about the different instruments. I do hope you will join us again.
Sincerely,
Corresponding Secretary
Eleanor McCormick
March 13, 2003
Hi Ryan,
Last Fall your performance at our Jumelage dinner was a delight to everyone. So, we are having a similar dinner on Friday, May 4, this time with a "seafood" theme, and were hoping that you might be available, and interested, in a return gig
P. K.
Winchester/St Germain en Laye twin-city group
March 10, 2003
I love the Captain Fiddle's Tunebook #1 Its my favorite thing to read when I get home from work.
T.
March 8, 2003
Ryan:
I received the CD and tab book and wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying both of them. I really like your clawhammer style. The tab book is very helpful in learning the tunes the way you play them. Any more clawhammer publications in the future?
Thanks Again!
D. A.
Winter Park, Florida
January 10, 2003
Ryan,
I just received your Banjo Solo CD - I love it!!!
S.K.
Bogalusa, Louisiana
January 2, 2003
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for sending your CD. The music you make is so fantastic. Thank you so much for being able to help children smile. It is great to turn to your music just to help a child as they struggle with challenge.
Elaine Tillman - Wish Coordinator
Springfield Regional Center
Springfield, Missouri
December 16, 2002
Ryan
I'll pass on a quick story. I went to a dance camp a few summers ago in Buffalo Gap. Never did anything like it . I'm an electronic musician, had bought a 12 string acoustic a few years back and enjoy playing it. They were forming a waltz band at the camp and I was eager to learn but didn't know many of the songs. The camp had a little shop filled with all things dance, including your books, including the 1400 fiddle tunes. I bought it, and in a few days was up and performing in a waltz band filled with guitarists and fiddlers. What a great time that was. I'll never forget it. Thanks for making it easy to make music.
all the best,
B.B.
Silver Springs, Maryland
December 1, 2002
I E Mailed you a few months ago asking for advice on playing the Polka in an exam. I took your advice and kept to the Polka rhythm throughout and have just got my results and am pleased to say that I got 97%. (Distinction) Thank you very much for your time. I am now a great fan of the Polka and have bought more Polka tunes to play and have been adapting other tunes, so I can now play a few medleys in the style of the Polka. I will always be greatful to you. I live in England and getting help from someone so far away is magical. A Big THANK YOU once again.
Greatfully
E. L.
England
November 21, 2002
Ryan:
Bravo! Great class! Thanks again for such a wonderful class*..... I loved hearing the music each
week and the event last night was wonderful. Thanks for all the work you put into this class.
Pauli Rines, Director
Kittery Adult Education
*I taught an 8 week course in "How to Play in A Contra Dance Band, " finishing up with a contra dance at the last session.
September 23, 2002
Dear Mr. Thomson:
Thank you for granting the Lincoln Center Institute permission to use excerpts from the Fiddler's Almanac in our "Window on the Work."
Best wishes,
Alison Lehner-Quam
Library and Publications Director
Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts in Education
August 1, 2002
Thank you for being part of New England Folk Festival
Angela Taylor
NEFFA
July 24, 2002
Mr. Thomson, you kindly sent me your demo CD a few months ago, and after a hectic summer, I am only now finding time to review it. It's wonderful! Your skill on such a variety of instruments is quite impressive.
sincerely,
S.D. Coordinator
CHRISTOPHER DOCK ARTS CENTER
July 9. 2002
Great little book! Exactly what I needed. Thanks a bunch! (Fiddle and Violin Buyer's Guide)
P.
July 8, 2002
I checked out your 1985 Fiddler's Almanac from my local library, I enjoyed it very much. And judging from the condition of the book so have many others.
Alan
June 22, 2002
Ryan,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
sincerely,
Muriel Orcutt
ASTA /NSOA American String Teachers Association
June 11, 2002
Thank you. You were terrific.
Barbara Massar, Production Coordinator
Market Square Day 2002 25th Anniversary Celebration
May 3, 2002
Dear Ryan,
On behalf of the students, administration, faculty and Cultural Arts Committee, I would like to thank you for donating your time and talent at the 2002 Oyster River Arts Fair. The students truly enjoyed the experience. We hope you enjoyed your time with them as well.
Don Lafferty,
Principal
Oyster River High School, Durham, New Hampshire
May 2, 2002
Ryan....I like the CD....good fiddling work!!!!....I'm an old time fiddler
too here in the Atlanta area....so I can relate (Flop Eared Mule)
D.S.
Atlanta, Georgia
April 13, 2002
Smooth!!! Great clawhammer banjo picken!!!!! Thanks
Dave
April 11, 2002
Every banjo lover should have Ryan's Great Bay Stomp CD. It's terrific!
April 2, 2002
I wanted to let you know I received the book, and am enjoying the heck out of it. (Fiddler's Almanac)
A.P.
Malapan, New Jersey
February 24, 2002
I thoroughly enjoyed your performance at the Stratham NH school a
few weeks past.
Thanks,
C.W.
Dover, NH
Jan 18, 2002
Ryan,
I received the Fiddler's Almanac in today's mail. I got so engrossed in it that I am just now
getting this acknowledgement off to you. I am enjoying the heck out of the wide variety of
information you have compiled and the anecdotal stories are great fun! By the way, a personal
friend of mine is mentioned several times in your book. His name is Byron Berline.
T.W.
Oklahoma
Dec 24, 2001
Ryan,
The CD arrived and it is a lot of fun to listen to. I am relearning frailing
after many years of playing bluegrass. More recently I am playing Irish Tenor
banjo mainly to get back to my roots. Old Time seems to fit right in.
M. K.
December 19, 2001
Hey Ryan, I got the Almanac and its great.
thanks,
T. A.
St Charles, Missouri
December 4, 2001
Dear Ryan,
Thanks for your site! My part of the world isn't filled with Scottish fiddlers,
and browsing your articles has made me feel a bit more connected.
B.
Akron, Ohio
December 4, 2001
Received it today, and it is great! (Great Bay Stomp banjo CD)
R.C.
Yakima, Washington
December 3, 2001
Hi Ryan,
.........I think I got a great deal. I still enjoy your cd "Flop-eared Mule."
N.S
Pinole, California
December 1, 2001
Ryan- the CD got here today- sounds great. Thanks a lot. (Newmarket Duets) Would your
music theory book be helpful to an "advanced beginner/ early intermediate mando picker? Santa's been asking what I want!
T.D.
November 30, 2001
Ryan,
Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your joining us and performing for our Russian guests on November 1. It was most gracious with such short notice and everyone had such a good time. Thanks again.
Macy Morse for
Portsmouth - Severodvinsk Connection
November 15, 2001
Ryan,
Just a short note to let you know I received the banjo CD today. Thanks! It's great! I listened to it 3 times straight through, nice playing. Do you have any more banjo CD's that you have done? I love the fact that it is solo banjo too. I may order the tab book soon. Good job!
D. H.
Yakima, Washington
November 5, 2001
Ryan,
Received your CD today; am sitting here enjoying your playing! It is good listening and very good work! Cold, Frosty Morning is a very nice cut! I also like your Packers Falls! The "double bounce" on Soldier's Joy is a neat touch! (Great Bay Stomp)
J.C.
Dayton, Ohio
November 5, 2001
Hi Ryan,
I got the CD today. It's great. (Great Bay Stomp)
Thanks,
K. B.
Spring Hill, Florida
Oct 27, 2001
Hi -- Received the CD (Newmarket Duets) yesterday and am enjoying it very much! Will
check into others later.
L.S.
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Oct 26, 2001
Hi:
This is just a quick message to let you know that I received (and enjoyed playing) the "Flop Eared Mule" CD.
Thanks again,
C. S.
Texas
Oct 24, 2001
I received the " Fiddle and Violin Buyers Guide " and am very pleased with it.
R.F.
October 20, 2001
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so much for being a part of the Maritime Folk Festival and all the wonderful music you brought with you.
Best regards and wishes for lifetimes of music.
Elsa Steffanson
Folk Horizons
Oct 5, 2001
Ryan,
Thanks once again for all your help at our camp. We truly appreciate your talents, knowledge, enthusiasm, energy... Great reviews on your workshops!
Ellen Carlson and Kathy Zimpfer, Directors,
Fiddleheads String band Camp
Bristol, New Hampshire
Oct 2, 2001
Hello Ryan, The book (Fiddler's Almanac) arrived today, nice book! You will be hearing from me for some other items in your catalog
D.S
Akron, Ohio.
Oct 1, 2001
I recently bought the Great Bay Stomp CD from you and love it.
V.B.
Chicago
Sept 27, 2001
Hi Ryan, project's done, your part sounds great! (I played accordion on Denis's new CD, "I Go Wild.")
Denis Coughlin
Massachusetts
September 3, 2001
I loved your CD, Ryan. You're really enjoying yourselves, and that's my first requirement for any music I listen to. I'm going to work on about three of the tracks, including that great chicken introduction. What a fine opener.
T.B.
Aug 21, 2001
Hi Captain Fiddle or Ryan,
I have ordered beginner fiddle tapes from you and they helped greatly. I would be interested in getting mail and I thank you very much.
My name is H.W. and my address is.....
August 20, 2001
Hey Ryan,
I've been playing along with your tapes since November of 2000 and I just went to my first Fiddle gig and was actually able to play along with my friends. Thanks so much for the CDs they have really helped!
L.B.
July 2, 2001
Dear Ryan,
On behalf of everyone here at Pro Portsmouth, as well as the tens of thousands of people who enjoyed the day, we want to thank you and your organization for your help in making Market Square Day 2001 the great success that it was.
thank you,
Sara Hamilton
Interim Executive Director
July 1, 2001
Hello Ryan, the old time CD arrived at it's new home in fine shape yesterday.
I'm playing it right now. It's a toe-tapper! Love it.
Thanks much.
Irene
May 9, 2001
Dear Mr. Thomson
My sincere thanks for all of the wonderful music you provided to the annual South Boston's Saint Patrick's Day Breakfast. The Breakfast was a huge success, due in part to the fine performance by Curragh's Fancy. Please know that your contribution was greatly appreciated and noted by those in attendance. Once again, thank you for your wonderful talent and hard work.
sincerely,
Stephen F. Lynch
State Senator, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
May 7, 2001
Hi Ryan,
I received the CD and Book today in the mail. I am pleased with both items. I
sat right down and started reading the book and it is a 'good read'. ...
I just got through listening to the Newmarket Duets CD and I like it. I
especially liked the "3 tunes from Quebec" since they were new to me.I will
listen more thoroughly to the tunes as the time goes by.
Thanks again
G.S.
New London, MN
May 3, 2001
Hi, Ryan,
I have enjoyed your fiddler's almanac very much. I received it from the ebay auction.
S.K.
ingwood, TX
April 24, 2001
Ryan,
Just wanted to let you know i received your books and CD's. I have learned some valuable things and I know they will help me to improve my playing.
Thank you,
S. S.
April 14, 2001
Hi Ryan -
Great that you had the evening free and could play with us. We had many compliments.
S.M.
Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire
Tartan Ball
March 29, 2001
To the attention of Ryan THOMSON.
I'm G. P. S. I write from ITALY.
Thank you very, very, very much for the Cd you envoyed to me.
I already put it into my radio program and it had immediately a good success.
So thank you very much again and best regards.
G. P. S.
March 21, 2001
Dear Performer,
Thank you for making the Downeast Country Dance Festival 2001 such a great success. We have been receiving wonderful feed back from the dancer's evaluation forms. We hope you enjoyed the festival as much as we enjoyed having you there.
The Scheduling Committee
February 28, 2001
Thanks again for the fun evening...such a variety of ages to entertain...great job!
Judi K. (Family Fiddle Fun)
Gilford Public Library
Gilford, New Hampshire
February 12, 2001
Hi Ryan,
I got the CD today (Great Bay Stomp) and am listening to it as I write. Nice sound and style.
D.S.
February 5, 2001
OK got the CD. Its perfect. Just the simple. old timey, easy to hear music and a great selection of songs...some of my favorites and a few tunes new to me. Question: Do you publish the tablature to this CD? Would sure like to get it so I can use this to practice with.
Thanks
M.C.
Las Vegas, NV
January 17, 2001
Nice CD, Ryan. Thanks. I've just listened to "Give me Your Hand" about 10
times -- great traditional tune. (Newmarket Duets)
I'll have to think about some of your instructional materials, too. I'm
thinking about replacing my (first) student violin with something that has
more "character," better sound (no great hurry yet). You're the first one
I've seen who actually lists a "Buyer's Guide"!
B. W.
Champaign, Illinois
January 7, 2001
I've been playing clawhammer banjo for a few years but live in a place where I can't find a teacher. I bought your Great Bay Stomp cd and book at the Maritime Folk festival in Portsmouth this October and have been able to learn almost all the songs. Mostly I just played the CD lots and lots and after a few months the tunes were pretty familiar and that made it very easy to read the tab and get the sound right. Thanks a million. It has made playing the banjo a whole world of fun.
D. H.
December 25, 2000
Dear Captain Fiddle,
I am in possession of your excellent publication, Swing Fiddle, an Introduction. I am learning a great deal from it. I am a beginner fiddler. Please send me more information regarding your other publications Ryan Thomson. Thank you for your great contributions to the world of fiddling.
sincerely, J.M.
Stuart, Florida
Dec 15, 2000
Hi Ryan,
I just purchased your fiddle buyer's guide. Good book and thanks again. I managed to pick up a nice Schweitzer copy at an auction recently.
Thanks,
B.N.
Dec 13, 2000
Hi there!
I received the Fiddler's Almanac today and it looks great! I can't wait to get into it! Thanks for signing it! I teach fiddle and step dancing full-time and I'm sure I will learn lots of new stuff to pass on to my students.
Fiddlingly Yours,
C.
Canada
November 22, 2000
Dear Ryan,
The book arrived in pristine condition. Many thanks! It will make a great
Christmas present for my niece the fiddler.
A. K.
November 16, 2000
...Also, on a personal note, I have befriended a classical violin teacher here in Switzerland who is giving me free lessons now so that I can learn a few "proper techniques". In turn, I am showing her how to improvise, some fiddling bowing action, and playing rhythm guitar while she tries her hand at country fiddling. It is a great arrangement. Yesterday I let her hear my copy of your solo fiddling CD and she absolutely loved it. I also lent her my copy of the Fiddler's Almanac, which she loves, and I will be giving her the second copy I bought from you as a gift when I return to Europe in December. I just wanted to say thanks for helping me bring a little of the good old music back to Europe. Wait till they hear the banjo in January. I am bringing it back with me on the plane as well. With the help of your CD and book, I should be claw hammering in no time!
Yours Truly,
J.C.
Switzerland
November 2, 2000
To Ryan Thompson and his band, what can I say? You guys are the best, and the dance was really fun. My orchestra members left saying they wished we could do it every week. Thanks, Ryan, for a great evening the other night. It was a pleasure to hear you play, and great fun to dance. Everyone had a marvelous time.
Bob Eshbach
Director, UNH Symphony
Durham, New Hampshire
October 15, 2000
Hey Captain: I love your stuff. I started with the Beginner's Fiddle Book and tape and then went to CDs 2 - 5.........My dad has played fiddle since he was about 35. His father, whom I never met, also played fiddle. And now, at the age of 52 I have suddenly gotten the bug. Thanks to you and my dad, I can play about ahalf a dozen tunes where the dog doesn't howl anymore. Thanks.
P.C.
Florida
Oct 25, 2000
Hello Ryan,
I received your package yesterday. It came very quickly, I was surprised. I LOVE both the book and the CD. They are both excellent tools for learning. The solo fiddle CD is perfect. It really lets you hone in on what the fiddle is doing. Your version of the Bonaparte's retreat is great. (Flop Eared Mule CD) I am working on that one now. I was really impressed to see the catalog, at the wealth of materials you have written.
Do you have any plans to record further solo fiddle CDs? I think it would be an excellent idea. I would buy them. It is hard to find old tunes like Billy in the Low Ground and the Arkansas Traveler. ... I appreciate your time and courtesy. You have already greatly helped my fiddling. Take care,
J. C
Switzerland
August 18, 2000
Ryan,
Thanks again for a wonderful performance at both Market Square Day and Exeter. Fiddling in Europe sounds like a great way to spend your summer.
regards,
Nancy
July 10, 2000
Dear Ryan,
This is a belated "hello" and thank you for fiddling with my son and me at the Old Songs Festival outside of Albany, New York. Your suggestions on improving Will's banjo technique were great. Will is visiting with his grandparents for a couple of weeks and expressed an interest in working on some new banjo songs. Enclosed is a check for your Great Bay Stomp CD and book of Tablature.
very truly yours,
J.S.
Slingerlands, New York
July 7, 2000
Hi Ryan,
Just wanted to let you know that I like your CD very much! I wish when I got it that I had known you had a tab book to go with it! Bet I would like that, too. Hope the check arrived OK and that you are having a good vacation.
Thanks,
C. T.
July 3, 2000
I just received my signed 1985 copy of the Fiddler's Almanac. I am so engrossed I could barely put it down to write to you. But when I saw the print on page 2 of the Angel playing the violin with the children at her feet I just had to stop and ask you if this print is available for purchase
anywhere. If you could tell me what it's called or tell me where I can obtain one I would be so grateful. It is just beautiful. Every illustration in the almanac is, to me, just breathtaking. I am so thrilled to have this copy. No bidder would have appreciated it more. I will treasure it always.
And I have to admit the picture of Ryan on page 138 just blew me away. What a hunk! I wish I could hear him play. I would also like to know how far is Newmarket from Londonderry? I have a brother in Londonderry and never bothered to visit, since I am in Florida. However, a trip to
your store would be a thrill for me! I do so want to be a fiddle player someday. I've only just begun, considering I've only played 18 months or so, but you are correct when you say this almanac would set a fiddler's desire on fire! I want it more now than ever and I'm not a teenager anymore! I hope to hear from you soon. And thanks again for the almanac - it's priceless!
P.W.
Florida
June 18, 2000
Ryan,
I just wanted to personally thank you for donating your time to the Ranger Foundation. Market Square Day was very successful for us and your performance added substantially to that success. I am including a copy of a letter Tom Cocchiaro, The Ranger Board Chairman, sent to the Portsmouth Herald. Also, if you have any suggestions that could improve upon this year please feel free to send them along.
Regards,
N.M.
June 9, 2000
Hi Ryan,
I just wanted you to know that I received the book (Fiddle and Violin Buyer's Guide) and am very pleased with it. I started reading it almost right away and had a hard time putting it down. Very interesting! Thanks a bunch
C. B.
June 6, 2000
Hi there Ryan
Your memory and musical discrimination were right on target last Thursday night. ....Thank you for a pleasant series of classes.(Kittery adult education fiddle classes) See you next fall or so.
J.S.
East Taunton, Massachusetts
June 1, 2000
I'm really enjoying my cd and just ordered your book to it. this is really
great and look forward to many more cds you have. (Great Bay Stomp)
thank you,
D. P.
Dayton, Ohio
April 29, 2000
Hello Ryan,
I just received the Almanac today (Saturday).
WOW!!! This is going to keep me busy for a while. Lots of fascinating things in there for a fiddle lover. You did a hell of a job with this publication...nice work!!!
Thanks Ryan,
B.L.
Malden, Massachusetts
April 27, 2000
Hello! Ryan,
Thank you for sending the two books. I received them yesterday. Your books are exceptionally impressive....FIDDLER AND VIOLIN BUYERS GUIDE BOOK, and THE FIDDLER'S ALMANAC. Thank you for your autograph, too. I am truly impressed with the way you run your business. Truly.
Sincerely,
S.T.
April 14, 2000
Hey Ryan,
I received the Fiddler's Almanac and your cd today. Thanks for the autograph too. Your fiddling style reminds me of a legendary Irish fiddler from Co. Clare, Paddy Canny.
Thanks again.
M.N.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 10, 2000
Howdy Captain Fiddle! - I recently got the high bid on a copy of your fiddler's almanac. Anyhow..... I just finished reading your fine book and just wanted to tell you how much I
enjoyed every page. I'm 28 years old and just started playing the fiddle this year and I can't believe how happy it has made me. Your book has even managed to make me even more excited about fiddle music! I've played guitar and mandolin for years (and made a few too) and I can tell that the fiddle will continue to be a bigger and bigger part of my life. My fears of beginning the instrument too late in life have been happily subdued with every practice session, every perusal of your book, and every time I listen to the music. Thanks for sharing all your information and putting it all
together so nicely. I don't mean to ramble on - just thought you'd like to know that your book did its job. You made a fellow fiddler very happy.
Thanks again and take care,
M.P.
April 3, 2000
Ryan,
A very special thank you for the beautiful music you provided us with
yesterday. We all really enjoyed your playing. Thank you for the excellent musical
choices. I think the selections you made were precisely what I wanted and the music
just "made" the party!
Thanks so very, very much for making so many people happy.
Sincerely,
M. H.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
April 2, 2000
Dear Mr. Thomson:
I believe I met you years ago at the festival at Univ. of Mass at Dartmouth, when I bought your Tune book #1, thinking that someday it might be interesting to look at.
I pulled it out of its hiding place last year, when my son Sam, age 7, and I needed a little bit of relaxation from the daily grind of Suzuki repertoire, and it became our guide into the world of fiddling.
We've acquired a lot of books since then, but keep coming back to yours, as the best balance between being too easy (like the Mel Bay Easy Fiddling Book) or too challenging (but instructive!) like the Mel Bay "Fiddling Across America."
B.D.
Marion, Massachusetts
March 31, 2000
Ryan,
I got the book/tape. Thanks! Although I'm not purchased instructional
fiddle books before, I have purchased many for guitar. Your publication
seems to be much better thought out than most and the tunes are great.
I'll keep you appraised of my progress.
Thank you and all the best.
A. F.
Baldwinsville, New York
March 17, 2000
Hey there,
Well awwwright!!!! Great CD. I am really impressed with Packers
Falls.....you have lots of talent. I play old timey banjo, and I am always
interested in hearing fellow players. I like the sound you have, did you
record that in a studio? I am in the process of figuring how to get a decent
"home" recording. Mic vs. Pick-up....direct hook up in to the tape player or
directional mic.....I am not sure.
Anyhow...have you any Tab books of your music? I would gladly buy one. What
type of banjo do you play?
keep on keepn' on,
Julie
Feb 21, 2000
Ryan,
Once again, it was a wonderful performance!! (Crawdad Wranglers concert) Several of us are thinking of attending the March 25th event you mentioned.
Regards,
Pamela Wildes
Assistant to the Director
Institute for the Study of
Earth, Oceans, and Space (EOS)
University of New Hampshire
Thank you Ryan for the information about the check . By the way, my daughter loves the CD! (Flop Eared Mule) She plays the fiddle also. My great great grandfather played her fiddle in the mining camps in the 1860's.He was blind and part of a group of 4 called the Blind Troupe or( blind boys ). They performed also in many towns along the North Coast, even in our town of Red Bluff I found an article about when they played here.
Keep up the good work!
Linda
January 9, 2000
Dear Ryan,
Happy New Year 2000. Once again, many thanks to you and Brian for your very enjoyable presentation, with so many musical instruments in our Extended Day Program for the Ipswich students on December 16, 1999.
Wilma S. Gooby
Director of Extended Day Program
Dec 2, 1999
Ryan,
Just a follow up:
I received the Flop Eared Mule CD and the Fiddler's Almanac on Monday 11/29/99 in good condition.
Have listened to the CD numerous times already. Great CD and I enjoy your old
timey style. Same style I play too.
D.M.
November 30, 1999
Got the CD yesterday and listened to it last night. Great job. Nice
selection of tunes and played very well. (Great Bay Stomp)
D.N.
Pennsylvania
November 26, 1999
Hey you probably don't remember me from a few weeks ago. I was asking what
the difference between a fiddle and a violin were. Well, I went to the
Music store and bought me a 21yr old fiddle and bow for $220. Believe it or
not, the first time I ever picked one up , My parents actually let me play
in the house. And they can recognize what I'm playing. But again, thanks
for your help, and Happy Fiddling.
Jonathan!
November 15, 1999
Hi. I'm sure you don't remember me. I ordered and received your beginner tape and book about 1 month ago. We exchanged an email and your encouragement was great. I just wanted to update you on my progress, due to your instruction.
Sunday, I played a real fiddle tune successfully for family and friends at an annual chicken stew! This is an event I've attended and dreamed of impressing the crowd with my very own fiddling for 15 years! It's one that my Daddy once played at and his presence was sorely missed when he died in '87. My fiddling wasn't perfect, but good enough to grab their attention and show some promise.
I played "Boil Them Cabbages Down" and wanted to thank you for the clear, step by step instruction your materials offered. The folks that play bluegrass/old time fiddle around here are good at playing but, they're shy and backward when it comes to teaching someone else.
I'm now working on "Old Joe Clark" which is a little more challenging. The great tip about leaving the fiddle out on a table for easy pick up has helped greatly too. I jokingly tell friends I have the fiddling fever. I often hear the tunes in my head when I lay down at night. My children go around the house humming my songs, too.
You were right about the clogging, too. My children love to dance while I play and that encourages me even more. I didn't realize how much dancers seem to applaud the players before now.
Anyway, thanks again. I really think I'm gonna be a fiddler!
Best wishes,
J. M.
Low Gap, North Carolina
Oct 29, 1999
Dear Mr. Thomson
Thank you for being a part of Jackson Hill Cider Day. Your music added a special tone to the day and the event.
Peter Michaud
Society for Preservation of New England Antiquities
Oct 20, 1999
Thank you for helping us create a wonderfully successful event! The crowd was pleased.
Karen Goddard
Chair, Harvest River Festival
Nashua, New Hampshire
October 6, 1999
Ryan:
Thanks for the absolutely delightful time on Sunday! Enclosed please find your honorarium.
S.S. Kensington Public Library
September 28, 1999
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so much for your participation in our Ist annual Fall Festival at Harold Parker State Forest....We also hope that you will again be willing to participate.
B.B. State Forest Interpreter
September 28, 1999
Ryan,
I would like to thank you again for stopping by the radio station. I really enjoyed your passion for your music. Its a joy to see someone be so happy. It made me happy too! Thank you!
Kenny Tibbetts
Atlantic Star Communications Inc.
August 29, 1999
Hello Ryan,
A few years ago I found your fiddle book at our library and I really enjoyed it, last week I checked it out again and read it through.
S. C.
Battle Ground, Washington State
August 23, 1999
Ryan,
Do you teach beginner fiddle? I enjoyed learning form you at SAMW, you explain things well and don't intimidate the hell out of me! Plus, you're the only person who ever explained theory in a way that I understood. I know you're a ways away, but I travel a lot so it would be no big deal for me.
B.W.
Boston, Massachusetts
Aug 21, 1999
Good Evening Ryan:
Your Flop Eared Mule CD arrived today and sounds terrific.
M.P
Rapid City, South Dakota
August 18, 1999
Ryan,
The Fiddle and Violin Buyer's Guide arrived safely today. Thanks! I enjoyed
reading it.
R.L.
August 16, 1999
Dear Ryan
You helped make this festival a success.
Angela Taylor
New England Folk Festival
August 4, 1999
Hello Mr. Thomson,
Just letting you know I received your New Hampshire Hornpipe CD and I love
it! Have you ever performed here on Long Island by any chance?
Thanks and good day!!!!!
C. R.
Commack, New York
Aug 2, 2001
Thank you for being a part of New England Folk Festival. Hope that you had a good time.
Angela Taylor
June 29, 1999
got the fiddle & bow guide, thanks for fast svc and I am enjoying the book.
S.B.
June 24, 1999
Thank you for your prompt response. I've already read the book through once and was
very pleased with it. I'm 40 and took up the fiddle two years ago( I've played guitar for
26 years). .....Your book has a lot of information that will be great to have at my finger tips, it lives up to all the reviews I read.(Swing Fiddle)
Thanks again
Hope to see you play sometime
M. B.
April 27, 1999
The fiddle book (The Fiddler's Almanac) arrived yesterday and it is great. My husband loves it. He
is always looking for new fiddle books that he doesn't have. We will be looking forward to dealing with you again.
L.M.
Fishers, Indiana
April 22, 1999
Ryan,
I am really enjoying the cd! (New Hampshire Hornpipe) Tell me about your cajun cd... Are there vocals? I am specifically seeking music that I can ride my horses in rhythm with the music?
That means 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time? Some of the pieces on the cd I purchased from you are suitable and extremely original and fun!
Thank you very much!!
D.W.
Groton, NY
March 29, 1999
Dear Capt. Fiddle
A few years ago I ordered a Fiddle method from Captain Fiddle. I learned the first song, Bile Them Cabbages Down, the first time I tried to play. I mainly play guitar, but your method got me playing fast. Thanks for the help.
J.A.
North Richland Hills, Texas
March 10, 1999
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so very much for participating in the Celebration of the Arts at the Main Street School. The staff and all of the students greatly enjoyed your "fiddling" talents. It was very generous of you to spend a day sharing your craft with the children. I hope that you enjoyed it as well. Thanks again,
Robin Baker
March 2, 1999
Dear Sir,
Your website is outstanding. It is effective and easy to get around in. Mr. Thomson has a very interesting line of products and services. My show is "Old Time Country and Bluegrass." On the program I have all kinds of Folk, Country, Celtic, and Cajun music.....
Thank you and God Bless,
Bob Newton, WHDM radio, McKensie, Tennessee
February 25, 1999
Hi Ryan,
Just a note that I received the book today in great shape, I read some
of it and was highly impressed with it. I'm also going to order the
Fiddle and Violin Buyer's Guide from you. It's good doing business with
you.
Thanks
D.S.
February 23, 1999
Hi Ryan,
Received your book. What a treasure!! Thanks for autographing it. (Fiddler's Almanac) Did you
ever write and publish Vol. 2 and if so, is it available? .....Thanks again.
Regards,
R.C.
February 17, 1999
Your books and tapes are great!
M.B.
Hillsboro, NH
February 6, 1999
Thanks Ryan,
.....Incidentally, I recently bought your Fiddlers Almanac on e-bay, and am enjoying it!)
Regards.
C.G.
Raleigh, North Carolina
January 12, 1999
Ryan,
I went to fiddle camp this summer in Bristol and learned a lot from you.
do you hold jam sessions or know of any coming up? or can you put me in
touch with fiddlers who wouldn't mind an intermediate beginning fiddler
playing with them?
thanks,
L.G.
New Hampshire
January 11, 1999
Dear Captain Fiddle -
I enjoyed looking over some of your publications while visiting the Country Dance and Song Society office recently. Please send me a listing of your fiddling-related publications. I learned violin as a school kid in the 60's, and have recently picked up my violin again, aiming to fiddle-style play. I'm an avid English Country dancer.
Thanks!
L.B.
Worcester, Massachusetts
January 11, 1999
..... Also wanted to let you know my wife and I are really enjoying
The Fiddler's Almanac. It is very interesting. It sounds like you
are about the same age as we are. We, however, only began the fiddle
a few years ago. I don't know if we'll ever amount to much starting
this late in life, but we are enjoying it.
B.G.
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
January 11, 1999
Hello
Just got your CD, very nice. Any more banjo solo's in the future?
Play some myself and love listening to others.
E. S.
January 2, 1999
I am a fledgling fiddler, even after 5 years and all your books! I live in a very "old-time music challenged" city (Las Vegas) and have to teach myself mostly. When it is running, we go to the California Traditional Music Festival in Calabassas, CA. Do you ever come west to teach any workshops? Do you ever teach at any of the week long camps like Augusta or Swannanoa? I like your materials and think you would be pretty good as an instructor!
M.S.
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 29, 1998
Ryan -
Just wanted to let you know that I received the book, Fiddler's Almanac, in
the mail today. What a great book! I was bringing in groceries and saw the
package at my door and opened it immediately. I was thoroughly engrossed in
the book immediately and forgot to put away my groceries! I have just
purchased a violin and will be taking lessons with the ultimate goal of
becoming an Irish Fiddler. While I am working toward that end, I will enjoy
reading your book.
Thanks so much!
S.L.
Rockville, Maryland
December 22, 1998
Dear Captain Fiddle
I recently purchased your Fiddling for Beginners book and CD and am quite pleased with my progress on the "Devil's Box."
J.S.
Oxford, Ohio
December 15, 1998
Thanks much for your great little book. It got here in great shape. I have
left positive feedback. As a music teacher and a "rusty" violinist, I am grateful for insight on the
violin that I didn't get in college! Thanks,
R.
December 1, 1998
Hi Ryan,
I received your CD today and I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a good selection of
tunes, and your playing is wonderfully clean and good to hear. That Washburn
sounds really crisp with a great tone.
HS
November 27, 1998
Received CD today. Great!
D. M.
Texas
November 25, 1998
Ryan:
All I can say is, "you kick butt", and were wonderful! Thanks for making the party a success; I hope you get some more gigs out of it. We plan an open house at Christmas, and will have you as a guest (You'll be off the clock) Regards to your sidekick from Berwick - Thanks again,
C.B.
Hooksett, NH
November 14, 1998
Ryan:
Received CD today (banjo) and am listening to it as I write. LOVE IT !!!
Oh how I wish I could play that good. Thanks a million for the quick turnaround.
D.V. on the internet
November 14, 1998
Ryan,
today I went to the post office and finally picked up the books.
Now after two hours of reading the almanac I would like to thank you again for
writing this great book. I learnt a lot from it and I am not through yet.
M.K. on the internet
November 3, 1998
Hi there. I bought your CD a few weeks ago, and I'm really enjoying it
(it's playing on my computer as I write this). Anyway, I was just
wondering if you've ever published the tab for these tunes? I really
like your arrangements, and I haven't found enough books with clawhammer
tab to keep me happy. I like Ken Perlman's books, but I'd like to do
the kinds of arrangements you've recorded, rather than the heavier focus
on melodic style (even though I like that too).
Anyway, if you have anything you could share with (or sell to) me on
this, I'd sure appreciate it. :-)
Thanks for a great CD -- it got me all the way to Boston and back this
past weekend!
L.H.
October 16, 1998
Hi, Ryan-
Received the CD today- (ordered it for my roommate) he loves the music!
He's just learning to play open-back/clawhammer banjo, so any source of
inspiration is welcome!
P. T.
October 14, 1998
Ryan,
You have inspired me at the grand age of 37 to learn the fiddle. Your website is terrific.
regards, N.M.
Hampstead, New Hampshire
September 13, 1998
I'd just like to say that I enjoyed reading your wheatland webpage. Did you
go this year? The new stage was great... so was everything else...
Happy Wheatland!
S.H.
September 13, 1998
Crawdad Wranglers, Ryan Thomson
On behalf of the town of Durham, the members of the Durham Business Association, and the Citizens of Durham, thank you for participating in our annual Sunday Summer Concert Series. Your efforts have certainly helped to make our summer concert series a success, and the beginning of what we hope will be a summer tradition in Durham. Thank you again.
Sincerely, Jane Faix, President,
for the Durham Business Association
September 10, 1998
Hello Ryan,
I just wanted to thank you guys(Crawdad Wranglers) for doing such a great job. Everyone really loved the band. The best story I heard was when Eleanor (she runs Glen Magna) asked you if you needed a place to change. I also wanted to thank you very much for playing "Fly Me to the Moon". That was a surprise to me and a complete surprise for Maria. Well, gotta go. We're packing for our move to San Francisco. Good luck in you future endeavors.
M.L
Amebury, Massachusetts
September 4, 1998
Dear Ryan,
Bill and I enjoyed your delightful CD today. Congratulations for such beautiful music!
M.T.
Green Valley, Arizona
September 3, 1998
Its really nice to know the inspiration for "March to Culloden." I listened to it last night with the repeat button set and it must have played for two or more hours. I really enjoyed hearing it! You are now on my Scottish Shelf with Battlefield Band, Charlie Zahm, Andy Stewart, Sill Wizard et al.
R.T.
Chelmsford, MA
Sept 2, 1998
I loved Fiddling for Beginners - Inspired me! I've taken two violin lessons - Suzuki, and will work ahead on fiddle. (I won't tell my teacher - she liked the beginner's book though. I'm 43 - so getting a late start!
J.W.
Washington, IA
August 27, 1998
Hey Ryan,
Its Brian Gessner from West Virginia Public TV. We were the ones videotaping Augusta in Elkins a few weeks ago. Thanks again for letting us videotape you all jammin' on the porch!
Brian Gessner
Production Manager, WNPB-TV
August 3, 1998
Ryan, BTW--Woodchopper's Reel is definitely a keeper and I would enjoy hearing more
of your stuff. Do you have other recordings that I could purchase through the mail?
M D
Ann Arbor, Michigan
June 27, 1998
Enjoyed 'Fiddle and Violin Buyer's Guide' - very useful.
B.O.
San Antonio, TX
May 6, 1998
Hi there Ryan!
I don't know if you would remember me or not, but you taught me how to play the banjo at Exeter back in 1994 or so... I was just looking on the internet for info on building a washtub bass, and your name popped up! I just wanted to let you know that I'm still playing my banjo, daily, and having a great time at it! I've also had access to a woodshop here at Dartmouth and I've built myself a fretless banjo and a mountain dulcimer... Other than that, things are going swell. Well, I just wanted to say hello, and let you know that I really appreciate you teachng me to play the banjo! I hope you are doing well!
Yours truly,
G.M.
Hanover, NH
March 16, 1998
I just picked up your learning tape #3. It was available at a contra dance that I go to. I am a bluegrass guitar player and a few months ago I picked up a decent violin at a second hand store and started picking out some tunes that I play on the guitar, and then I found your tape which has helped me learn more.
M.D.
Newburgh, NY
January 12, 1998
Dear Captain Fiddle,
A few year's ago, I purchased a great video, "Last Chance String Band: New Hampshire Folk Festival 1980". Since then I have looked for records, tapes and/or videos by Captain Fiddle, Ryan Thompson, and/or The Last Chance String Band. I haven't found one. Do you have anything available by any and/or all of the above - or records, tapes, or videos of any good music of this type? If so please let me know. Thanks for your trouble.
Sincerely,
DS
Roselle, IL
January 6, 1998
Dear Captain Fiddle,
Hello, my name is R. R. I purchased a used fiddle from you this summer at the Augusta Festival in Elkins, West Virginia. Additionally, I bought a few of your instruction materials. I can't begin to tell you how much fun I'm having. In the few months since buying your "Fiddling for Beginners" manual and tape, I've really heard some improvement. Of course, I'm not perfect (who is?), but I am progressing quite well. I have bought some other fiddling materials to provide some variety, but
none of them are as helpful as yours. Now that I have your internet site, I plan to order a few more of your books and tapes. Hope all is going well for you.
Thanks again!
R.R.
Buckhannon, West Virginia
December 1, 1997
Dear Mr Thomson,
I did receive my "Chord Encyclopedia for 1100 Fiddle Tunes, and I am very pleased with it. I will certainly show it to the rest of my band, and they may order copies also.
R.D.
Ames, Iowa
November 11, 1997
I enjoyed your book, the Fiddler's Almanac. Would like to be on your mailing list.
M.P.
Hamden, Connecticut
November 1, 1997
Dear Ryan,
I was impressed by your achievement. Your playing was delightful and added a festive air to the day.
sincerely,
Ann Lebrun, Northeast Regional Symposium Coordinator
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
October 6, 1997
Ryan,
Hi. Just wanted to shoot you some kudos on your Buyer's Guide, which I found at my local public library (Salem Public Lib. in Oregon). Although I checked out your book THE DAY AFTER I bought my first fiddle, I was pleased to find that I didn't buy a piece of junk.
Your book is definitely the most helpful book on the subject (and the ONLY book dedicated *solely* to the subject of buying) I've been able to find.
C.C.E.
Salem, Oregon
September 22, 1997
I saw your ad in Fiddler Magazine. I have one of your Capt. Fiddle learning cassettes, and it has been very helpful. I would appreciate receiving a catalog on other teaching materials you offer!
B.H.
Alvarado, Texas
September 19, 1997
I was so glad to see your catalog at Davis & Elkins College - I was at Augusta for Old Time Week. Last year I checked the Almanac out from the library. What a great book! Thanks for sharing.
E.E.
Kansas City, Missouri
August 30, 1997
Dear Ryan
Here are the photos which I thought you might like to remind you of the good times and Music at SAMW. I didn't think that country dancing could be so much fun. You teachers seemed to be everywhere and were very generous with your time and energy. One of the best parts was watching your beginner students play Little Brown Jug on Friday night, with such obvious pride and pleasure - congratulations and thanks.
C.B.
Newington, CT
May 21, 1997
Dear Ryan:
Thank you for helping to make the Barn Dance last Saturday such a success. We appreciate the fact that you are willing to work with us financially to bring income to the Museum, so necessary to keep us going!
I've heard from people attending that the food was scrumptious, the ice cream delicious and fun to churn, the service excellent and the music and dancing great fun...one couple from Boston said this was their first barn dance and enjoyed themselves so much that they will come up for any future dances.
Again Ryan, thanks for accepting the challenge to call dances for an unusual dance floor and for working with us. Please thank Bill for his wonderful fiddle music.
Sincerely,
Berrie Donovan Events Director
New Hampshire Farm Museum
May 20, 1997
Dear Captain Fiddle,
At NEFFA this past April, I purchased a book "A Folk Musician's Working Guide to Chords, Keys, Scales, and More" and Fiddling for Beginners " book and tape. ....I have thoroughly enjoyed your books and tape. You are a very dynamic instructor.
K.T.
Waltham, MA
May 12, 1997
Dear Ryan:
On behalf of the students and staff of both Main Street School and Lincoln Street School I wish to extend my thanks to you for being a special part of our Exeter Elementary Arts Festival for 1997.
The festival represented a great school community partnership that enriched our students experiences in the arts. We look forward to a festival next year and hope you'll be able to be a part of it. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Flagg Assistant Principal
Lincoln Street School
April 22, 1997
I was so glad to see your catalog at Davis and Elkins College - I was at Augusta for Old Time Week. Last year I checked the Almanac out from my library. What a great book!
thanks for sharing,
anon
March, 1997
Ryan,
Thank you for taking the time to show me more about fiddling. I really appreciated it!
sincerely,
Carol
March 1997
Ryan,
I'm so glad we got your "The Complete Fiddle Contest Kit." I would have been SUNK!
P.S.
New Hampshire
Feb 9, 1997
I've read many books but have never had the opportunity to tell an auther thanks. I picked up your Fiddler's Almanac a while back, and found it most interesting and helpful. I love music, all kinds, and pretty much play for the shear enjoyment of it.... Oh well, I know you probably have a busy schedule and I really wanted to say thanks for writing the Fiddler's Almanac, because I really enjoy it!
D.Y.
The "Mangalated" Cassette.- Letter and photo
Dec 27, 1996
Hi, My name is B.B. and I purchased your beginners tape #3 and book for my 11 year old daughter. She received it for christmas and I'm very happy with the way the book and tape are produced. I play the guitar so I accompany my daughter. Thanks again,
B.B.
November 16, 1996
I got this address from your booklet I got from "Lark in the Morning" on how to "Make and Play the Washtub Bass." I got it made - works well. I play in the Seniors Kitchen band here in town. Thank you for printing the booklet.
M.M.
Litchfield, Illinois
Oct 27, 1996
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Dear Ryan! Thank you so much for your great musical contribution to the Essex Music Festival! It was a great lot of fun and we really appreciated your support! The music sounded super! I have received only excellent reports! Thank you again so much!
All my best,
Sweet Loretta
October 25, 1996
Dear Captain Fiddle,
Hi I'm Stephanie and I have all your books and tapes. It's thanks to you that I'm a great violin player.
September 29, 1996
After meeting you and talking for a few minutes at the 1993 Northeast Folk Festival in Natick, MA, I enthusiastically bought fiddle learning tapes #2, 3, and 4. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the many hours of "coaching and instruction" that you have provided me through these tapes as well as being a fiddling companion that was always there, ready and waiting to play along with me at the push of a button on the tape recorder.
I am pleased to see that Captain Fiddle Publications has its own web page and that I can browse your listing of fine books and recordings. I highly recommend any of your materials to any new or experienced fiddler who wants to improve their fiddling techniques. Sincerely,
M.
September 29, 1996
I wanted to drop you a line and say how much I enjoyed your book and how much I am excited to learn to play the fiddle. I learned a great deal from your book and am now ready to start looking. Your email said you had several fiddles for sale, price is important since this is a hobbie and I am just getting started. I will give you a call, your number was in the email. Thanks and I'll talk to you soon.
A.
June 26, 1996
The Fiddler's Almanac has been tremendously informative (far more so than anything else I've come across, and considerably more "down to earth") for a beginner such as myself.
J.S.
Lynnwood, Washington
June 1996
I have recently obtained your Fiddler's Almanac and it has inspired me to take up the fiddle at a fairly advanced age - thank you for this.
D.R.
Surrey, England
May 31, 1996
Dear Mr. Thomson,
I came across your book, The Fiddler's Almanac in our local library today and found it to be an enthralling goldmine of traditional folk fiddling, and I learned a lot from it despite the fact that I've been involved in traditional fiddle music for over 70 years. I'm now 77.
K.M.
Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada
not dated
May 1996
What a fun book! (Swing Fiddle) Johnny Gimble gives such great insight into improv. He always makes it so easy. Its a pleasure to read your book because obviously you know what you're talking about.
M.R.
May 20, 1996
I have enjoyed all the tapes, books, etc, I ordered from you. Keep up the good work.
D.M.
Tifton, Georgia
March 17, 1996
Hello Ryan,
You probably don't remember me, but it was most pleasant to meet you last September at Pinewoods Music camp and I really liked your band. I especially remmber your music, playing the accordion on the cabin porch while I took a swim in Short Pond.
L.J.
February 26, 1996
Dear Ryan J. Thomson,
I recently read your book, The Fiddler's Almanac 1985. It was very descriptive and informative. I did enjoy reading it.
J.F.
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Feb 6, 1996
Dear Ryan,
A.B. came over to my house last Sat. night and we played a bit. He had a copy of your Chord Encyclopedia and left it with me to look at. I did look at it and can't believe how much work you must have put into it. It's got just about every tune I play in it. I'm impressed, so impressed that I would like to purchase the book myself to keep in my fiddle case.
L.W.
Brookfield, New Hampshire
February 5, 1996
I'm impressed with your instructional cassettes. My 10 year old daughter went from a good fiddler to a great fiddler, much of it due to your 2 cassesttes she played over and over again!! Thanks for the foot-stomping tunes!
B.V.
Scotsdale, Arizona
February 2, 1996
I purchased your book titled "The Fiddler's Almanac" via mail order, through Elderly Music and have found the book quite valuable. I have read the book many times, and each time I find something new or something that now makes more sense to me. It has proven quite beneficial in helping me to learn this wonderful, yet frustratingly difficult instrument.
D.H.
Tasmania, Australia
January 30, 1996
Dear Mr. Ryan Thomson:
I have just "reread" your wonderful book "The Fiddler's Almanac." I thank you greatly for the well rounded, broad range, historical perspective, tips, talent, and more, that you poured into the work. You gave more than just the "mechanics" to fiddle playing, you gave the "feel." with history and heritage, to boot. My enjoyment was thorough and real, so I'll end the praises here. Although, be sure to enjoy the good praises when well deserved.
B.D.
Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
Oct 1995
I was able to purchase your fiddle learning tapes from a company here in England and found them excellent.
J.P.
Sheffield, England
September 19, 1995
Dear Ryan,
Please pass along my sincerest thanks to your wonderful band members for their willingness to play at the cajun- zydeco weekend at Pinewoods two weeks ago. Even if the Crawdad Wranglers had been merely adequate in the music played, I would be indebted to you for the jam you got me out of. However, you guys were terrific! It was a superb way to end a fun weekend.
Marcie Van Cleave, Executive Director
Folk Arts Center of New England
May 8, 1995
Dear Mr. Thomson,
Some years ago I bought several of your tapes, and I've listened to them many, many hours. They've helped me learn dozens of tunes. As I listen to your playing, though, I hear something I don't hear in the slowed down versions and that I don't see in the music in my many fiddle books.
Your playing at tempo has this wonderful bounce, almost as if you're hitting the notes a little before the beat, or as if you're syncopating your emphasis or... that's just the problem: it sounds wonderful but I can't tell quite what it is. So I don't quite know what to try. I've heard it in other great old-time players as well, though not as clearly as I hear it on your tapes.
W.J.
Newberg, Oregon
June 15, 1995
Dear Mr. Thomson,
I've been playing fiddle for only a few years. I got more valuable information from your Fiddler's Almanac than all of the other fiddle books combined. Thanks
K.B.
Richlands, North Carolina
June 1995
Dear Sir,
I have read with a great deal of interest and admiration your Fiddler's Almanac, 1985. I am 78 years old and have been "fiddling around" most of my life it seems like.
E.S.
Wasau, Wisconsin
June 22, 1995
Thanks for insight gained through your publications
J.S.
Detroit, MI
May 15, 1995
Dear Ryan,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for my mandolin lesson of two weeks ago...you put together the musicality, ie., the possibilities with playing those lovely little tunes for me, and many more.
best wishes, sincerely,
J.P.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
May 10, 1995
Dear Ryan,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for my mandolin lesson of two weeks ago.....I am enjoying your 'Captain Fiddle's Tunebook' immensely and from this I hear your far reaching influence in New England music that I have listened to before. Thanks for assisting me out of that lousy music book of mine. You put together the musicality, i.e. the possibilities with playing those lonely little tunes for me as lovely ones. Best wishes and sincerely,
L.P.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
April 10, 1995
Dear Ryan,
Thought you'd like the enclosed clipping. Thanks again for your part in making the Cajun Fest an enjoyable tradition.
Carol
International Student Office
Bradford College
January 30, 1995
My wife Sharon, who I introduced you to, was extremely impressed at your ability to communicate cajun dance instructions to your audience. We have seen a number of instructors over the years and you certainly are one of the more capable instructors in making it as easy as possible to follow but that's also true in your ability to teach fiddle. You have helped me out very much in just those few lessons I took.
D.G.
Nashua , New Hampshire
November 28, 1994
Dear Ryan:
We have had many wonderful comments on the music you provided at the "Gold Rush" auction on November 19. Our only regret was that the occasion did not allow for dancing! Thanks again for coming to Medfield, adding so much to the "atmosphere," and helping to make the evening such a success. Hope to see and hear you again soon!
sincerely,
Jeanne Sullivan
M.C.P.E. Auction co-chair
August 8, 1994
Dear Mr Thomson,
Thank you for taking the time to join us for the Celebration 94. Even though the weather disn't co-operate as much as we would have liked, everyone had a great time! We hope that you will plan to join us again next year .
with sincere thanks, Sylvia, Linda, and the Gunstock staff
Gunstock Ski Area, New Hampshire
July 24, 1994
Dear Mr. Thomson,
I recently read your book The Fiddler's Almanac. As someone relatively new to the old time fiddle, I found your book very valuable.
J.J.
Springfield, Illinois
July 1994
Dear Ryan Thomson,
I would like to thank you for the tape I received sometime ago. I have learned to play them all and enjoy practicing them. Last year in school I played Old Joe Clark and Rag Time Annie in a school concert.
T.P.
Meadville, Pennsylvania
January 30, 1994
Dear Ryan,
By Golly! Ryan. You're a dad burned genius. Me too. The defintion of genius is a guy who does something no one else has done. He has no teacher and needs none. He is the teacher. That's us Ryan - dad burned geniuses.
Frederick T. Edmunds, MD
Bones Unlimited
November 18, 1993
Captain Fiddle,
I just received your two Fiddle Learning Tapes #3 and #4. I think they are great!
C.H.
Queensbury, New York
February 17, 1993
Dear Captain Fiddle,
Thank you for your excellent book, The Fiddler's Almanac. Its been very useful to me as a beginning "fiddler."
R.P.
Ellicott City, Maryland
December 10, 1992
Dear Mr. Thomson,
I recently ordered your Capt. Fiddle Tunebook #1 along with the #2 Fiddle Learning Tape. I am really enjoying them. You have done a nice job teaching these tunes....I've bought a lot of music study aids and I must say I have enjoyed yours the most. Thanks. Have a nice holiday season.
K.W.
Massachusetts
December 1, 1992
Captain Fiddle,
I've recently gotten interested in fiddle music and was delighted to find the Fiddler's Almanac at Forbes Library in North Hampton, Massachussetts.
A.S.
North Hampton, Massachussetts
November 10, 1992
Dear Ryan:
It was a real pleasure to have your band(Crawdad Wranglers) at the Fair. We all enjoyed your show. Thank you for coming. Have a great year!
sincerely,
Susan Frentzen
Marketing Consultant
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
April, 1992
Dear Ryan,
Nomad 91 was wonderful. Your booth was an important asset to the festival.
sincerely,
Hatty Roberts
North Eastern Music and Dance Festival
Feb, 1992
Dear Capt. Fiddle,
I am enjoying your Fiddler's Almanac book.
R.O.
South Windsor, Connecticut
1992
Note from Ryan: I was at a National Folk Alliance meeting in Tucson. When I returned home I found this letter in my box:
I bought Learning Tape #3 and #4 in Tucson last week and already have the first two tunes "picked out", but since I read music very well, I think I could save a lot of time if I had something to peek at once in a while. I'm determined to do this by ear....as I have discovered, by the time I have something picked out I also have it memorized!!! I'm so sick of music stands!!!...
Mr Thomson, were you there? At Tucson I bought the Fiddler's Almanac from a lady I met in one of the discussion groups-and I dimly remember seeing her with a gentleman and she said she was from New Hampshire...anyway, if you were there and I missed a chance to tell you personally how much I have enjoyed your book, (The Fiddler's Almanac) I'm going to be sick!!!
I don't know how many times I've checked that book out from our local library!!!! When I saw it lying in the lady's briefcase, I just grabbed it - ITs MINE! Thanks for writing it. I love it!
J.K.
Wichita, KS
1992
Hi Ryan,
I have read Fiddler's Buying guide and Almanac and have learned from it and keep going back and looking and reading again.
G.S.
November 11, 1991
Ryan,
Just a super evening with your band...will be sending you another check soon as simply a bonus and thanks! I hope to get you back here real soon.
F.R.
Hanover, New Hampshire
October 2, 1991
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for sharing your all your many talents with everyone. We look forward to enjoying you again and again!
Fran Hendrickson and John Foley, Festival Coordinators
NOMAD Northeastern Music and Dance
1991
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so much for being a part of our 1991 United Way Awareness Week. The music you provided made for a festive atmosphere and helped encourage people to visit the United Way Information table....I want to express my thanks to you. Your music and skill were appreciated as evidenced by the many people who became involved in singing, 'spooning', foot tapping, etc.
Sincerely,
Peter W. Burness
United Way Chairman
March 29, 1991
I came across a copy of your 1985 publication, The Fiddler's Almanac at a local public library and took it home on a whim thinking I might find it interesting. What followed was litterally hours of reading enjoyment, learning, and even a few chuckles now and then again.
My fiddle teacher didn't realize that such a book existed and, as he fanned through the book and picked up on some of the quotations, he commented, "Yeah, that about says it all," or, "Boy, isn't that the truth!"
A.B.
Houston, Texas
June 12, 1990
Dear Ryan,
Thanks to you and your band for a delightful concert on Sunday. I've enclosed some p.r. for you to have. Good luck and keep playing!
Judy Roberts
Mill Pond Center for the Arts
Durham, New Hampshire
1990
Mr Thomson,
Just finished reading your book "Fiddler's Almanac" and enjoy it very much. I became interested in playing the fiddle about 3 years ago and can't seem to lay it down.
W.L.
Hopkinville, Kentucky
1990
Dear Ryan,
I loved the "Fiddler's Almanac." I have only been playing the fiddle for 10 months and you have really added new coal to my fire. I, like yourself, started playing the fiddle very late (age 23) and I am very serious about becoming a good fiddler..... Thank you for your commitment to the fiddle, you have added a lot to my life.
J.R.
Scarsdale, New York
April 10, 1990
Dear Mr. Thomson,
Just finished your book, The Fiddler's Almanac and found it interesting and informative.
D.C.
Bloomsburg, PA
February 27, 1990
Ryan,
Thanks so much for your help with the swing workshop. It suddenly dawned on me that we met at Micanopy Dance Camp. I had the pleasure of jamming with you and Judy Luis, piano player. Your book is very helpful in locating swing music. I'll be using your book much more in the future.
M.W.
Opa-Locka, Florida
April 22, 1990
I received th Last Chance Video and am pleased with it.
D.H.
Carrabelle, Florida
May 10, 1990
Dear Ryan Thomson, I spoke to you at the folk festival in Natick, MA. The five minutes or so that we talked has made a vast difference in my playing (The dog no longer leaves the room). Your Fiddling for Beginners Kit is great. It's just like having someone right there to show me what to do. I've had other instruction tapes by famous people for different instruments and they just don't seem to slow down enough or teach the whole tune. It's almost like they're just showing off. You by contrast are an excellent teacher. Keep up the good work.
K.B.
West Roxbury, Massachusetts
December 12, 1989
Dear Ryan,
A quick note to thank you on behalf of Strawbery Banke for participating in our Candlelight Stroll. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as our visitors enjoyed listening to you!
sincerely,
Karen Murphy, Coordinator?Special Programs
Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
October 20, 1989
Dear Ryan,
I wanted to thank you again for doing that gig in Georgetown. I've gotten a lot of good feedback since then. People were particularly pleased that you got them square dancing (the town fathers were impressed!)
Deb
Georgetown, Massachussetts
September 9, 1989
Dear Ryan,
Thanks more than we can say for your tremendous effort in participating in our "House and Porch Concerts for BETWEEN. On behalf of BETWEEN and ourselves - a million thanks -
Charlie and Marylou
March 22, 1989
Dear Ryan, I have thoroughly enjoyed your "Fiddler's Almanac." Absolutely excellent!
J.H.
Vicker's Heights, Ontario
Canada
January 16, 1989
Mr Thomson, I just started playing the fiddle a year ago and I have found the Fiddler's Almanac most helpful and useful.
V.K.
Arlington, Texas
September 30, 1988
Dear Mr Thomson, My name is xxxxxxxxxx and I am a violin, viola major at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Missouri. I have just finished reading your 1985 Fiddler's Almanac. I found the book to be a wealth of information. Even though I consider myself classically trained I could appreciate the material presented.
B.C
Easton, Missouri
August 22, 1988
Dear Ryan,
As usual Ryan, it was a pleasure to have you come to Farm Day. We always enjoy your music. It adds a festive atmosphere to the event. Thank you for supporting the museum.
sincerely,
Mellissa Walker, Executive Director
New Hampshire Farm Museum
June 17, 1988
Dear Captain: I have taken the Fiddler's Almanac out of the Brookline, MA Public Library and enjoyed your book and got a great deal of valuable information from it.
W.N. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
January 21, 1988
Dear Ryan Thomson, I have purchased your "The Fiddle and VIolin Buyer's Guide" and the "Fiddler's Almanac" and found both very interesting.
T.B.
Schenectady, New York
January 15, 1988
Dear Ryan, I am enjoying your book :Fiddler's Almanac." My father played the violin, and I used to play drums in a small band once in a while with a fiddler named Bill Close - from Bristol, Vermont...Thank you for your service. I appreciate having a source close by that can get me set up for "fooling around on the fiddle."
B.B.
Lisbon, New Hampshire
November 29, 1987
Dear Mr. Thomson, I've been reading "The Fiddler's Almanac" obtained by my local library through a search. My compliments to you, for sharing your great collection of fiddle-"ology," it is really full of great advise (especially the cloths-pins on the bridge... my family is very appreciative!
Sincerely,
S.K.
Clymer, New York
November 16, 1987
Dear Ryan,
We are so happy that a member of our "Old Time Fiddlers" brought in a copy of your book - so we have one to read.
Best wishes to you,
Bob and Millie Shields
San Diego Old Time Fiddlers
September 24, 1987
I read your book, "Fiddler's Almanac" and enjoyed it very much. As a beginning (ie less than 1 year) fiddler, I found it very useful.
J.U.
August 20, 1987
Dear Ryan:
Once again the New Hampshire Farm Museum's Old Time Farm Day was a great success. The trustees and I wish to thank you for your willingness to help us.
Melissa Walker, Coordinator
New Hampshire Farm Museum
August 11, 1987
Dear Mr. Thomson: I have recently read your book "The Fiddler's Almanac and found it to be very informative and well written.
T.R.
Oklahoma City, OK
July 31, 1987
Sir, I am writing to let you know how satisfied I have been with the Fiddler's Almanac. It has a wealth of information that I have been looking for.
F.A.
Taberg, New York
May 16, 1987
Dear Captain Fiddle,
On behalf of the Christian Education Cabinet and our church school children, THANK YOU for sharing your time and talents with us yesterday morning. The children enjoyed your music and use of different instruments very much. You and Dan certainly put on a great performance!!! Thanks again so much.
warmly,
Nancy Berndtson, Christian Education Coordinator
May 14, 1987
Last Fall at Eisteddfod, at North Dartmouth, Mass. I spoke with you. You encouraged me not to be intimidated about trying to play again after over 25 years. I bought your book and later a fiddle/violin. ...Thanks for getting me in motion toward the fiddle and for helping me pick a tape. Sincerely,
C.A.
New Bedford, Massachusetts
March 17, 1987
About 3 weeks ago I was at the library looking around at violin books and accidentally came across your book "The Fiddler's Almanac" and found it very much to my liking. To me its a great book and I would like to buy one if you still have some in stock.
R.R.
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
December 23, 1986
Dear Sir, I have been looking over my copy of the Fiddler's Almanac, and I can attest to the fact that it is well documented and well done
yours, truly,
C.F.
Waco, Texas
December 19, 1986
Hi! I checked out the Fiddler's Almanac at the library and decided I needed one. Sure enjoyed it. Its great.
Thanks so much,
L.P.
December 15, 1986
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for participating in the Candle Light Stroll and helping to make it a successful event.
sincerely,
Sandra Northrup, Program Director
Strawbery Banke
Oct, 1986
Mr Thomson,
I am interested in anything relating to fiddling. Please put me on your mailing list. P.S. I recently purchased your Fiddler's Almanac and its really a blessing.
J.R.
Midland City, Alabama
August 13, 1986
Ryan,
Thanks again for the work you did on Sunday. What a wonderful day! I hope that we can all get together soon and talk about the 2nd Annual New Hampshire Acoustic Folk Guitar and Fiddle Contest. Stay in touch!
sincerely,
Jamie,
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
March 31, 1986
Dear Ryan,
I want to thank you once again for presenting the "Folk Fiddling Workshop" at this year's Country Living Day. I only wish I could have spent more time listening to you play and speak about music. Its a truly enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
sincerely,
Nancy Adams, County Extension Agent, Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
University of New Hampshire
March 4, 1986
Dear Mr Thomson,
I want to thank you for your Fiddler's Almanac: it is a splendid book, wonderfully designed, and full of information I have been looking for. Thank you for the care and skill with which you put it together.
J. H.
Irvine, California
Feb, 1986
Dear Sirs,
In one of the next issues of our art magazine we plan to review your "Fiddler's Almanac"
sincerely,
Rudolph Radnai, editor
Okl. Villamosmernok, Budapest, Hungary
November 19, 1985
Dear Ryan,
You ran the best fiddle workshop I've seen yet at NEFFA (New England Folk Festival Association) last year because you really did teach!
P.M.
Arlington, Massachussetts
October 21, 1985
Dear Ryan,
You are a real warm and talented person. I am so glad I had the chance to meet you and hear you.
thanks, again
Pinky Kram, Chair Person
Naturally Newmarket
September 30, 1985
Dear Mr Thomson:
I read with interest the article in Foster's Daily Democrat regarding your career as a fiddler. Congratulations on your book and best wishes on Volume II. It's rare for a person to be so fortunate as to make their living at an interest they enjoy. Fiddles and banjos and country music are my favorites. I hope to be able to meet and hear you play that fiddle sometime when I can be in the Newmarket area.
with warm regards,
Bob Smith1st District, New Hampshire House of Representatives
Congress of the United States
Sept 11, 1985
Dear Ryan,
You and your caller were a huge success at our opening of school dance. Many thanks for being there. Hopefully you'll be able to return next year. The kids are still talking about the square dance!
thanks,
Susan Herney, Dean of Students
Phillips Exeter Academy
July 31, 1985
Dear Ryan Thomson:
I am writing on behalf of Alasdair Fraser, Director of the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School. We are having our second school the last week of August and this year we are planning to have a selection of fiddle related books and records available to our students,
We would like very much to have 25 to 30 copies of the "Fiddler's Almanac" if at all possible.
yours, sincerely,
Bonnie Thompson, Special Projects Coordinator.
July 5, 1985
Howdy Captain Fiddle,
Just dropping a line to let you know how much I appreciated your kindness June 6 for the Children's Fest. Sending you this card with prayers that some day you'll have your records here at the Hall of Fame.
love,
Rose Rio
Nashville, Tennesseee
April 22, 1985
Dear Ryan J Thomson,
I got your book "The Fiddler's Almanac" I am not a fiddler but that is a wonderful book as somebody who likes to listen to fiddle music it is a real insight.
Thank you, T. M., Lynn, Massachusetts
April 8, 1985
Dear Mr Thomson
Thank you for the Fiddler's Almanac. Its really quite an interesting book and one that I know our son Erik will enjoy. He was a Florida fiddle champ several years ago at age 19.
T.H.
Florida
March 26, 1985
Dear Ryan,
I want to thank you for being a speaker(fiddling) at Country Living Day this year and for helping to make it such a huge success.
sincerely,
Nancy Adams, County Extension Agent, Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
University of New Hampshire
March 23, 1985
Hi Ryan!
Thank you for the copy of your book. I am very impressed with it, its content, organization, and general appearance. You ought to feel very proud of the result of your work.
M. F., Massachusetts
March 22, 1985
Dear Ryan Thomson,
Many Thanks for the Almanac! It is really super -- I haven't had time to read every single thing, but read enough to know it will really be a useful sourcebook. My husband is starting to play the fiddle and I showed it to him - I'm helping him, but there are lots of things I've forgotten about what its like to learn fiddle. That section of the book struck me as particularly useful - also really true, at least from my experience. Wonderful.
sincerely,
Jan Tappan
Scottish Fiddling Revival, Ltd &
Valley of the Moon Fiddling School
March 22, 1985
Dear Ryan:
It's terrific. Very entertaining, informative and even inspiring... You've done an excellent job from cover to cover. Enclosed is a check for our first shipment. I hope that there will be many more. (Fiddler's Almanac)
Best Regards,
Noel Benson
Kschier Brothers, Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1985
Mr Ryan Thomson,
Thanks so much for your book. It is an invaluable addition to our N.E. Collection.
For the Board of Directors, Gordon Brown, President,
New England Country Music Historical Society, Inc.
August 20, 1984
Dear Ryan,
A super combo. My particular thanks to you all.
very truly yours,
David Mattair, Coordinator
New Hampshire Farm Museum
June 14, 1984
Dear Ryan,
Thank you very much for your fine musical contributions to our annual Market Square Day Festivities. The addition of "Captain Fiddle" and your sidekick Alan Brock provided much excitement and color to the downtown historic tour. I am aware that the extraordinary heat was a challenge to cope with, and from all accounts, you met that challenge admirably.
A little, true life story, captures much of why we put all of this energy into our Market Square Day celebration and helps to describe what you have helped us create: As I was approaching the square, long about 5:30 or so after marking off the streets for the next morning's vendors, I could hear your songs wafting over the traffic and with the breezes. As I rounded the corner, a group of store owners and hot tired citizens had accumulated on the benches and in front of the garden cement plot by the Atheneum. They were smiling and toe-tapping, despite the incredible heat.
One of them stopped me and said - full of pride, "That's what I like to see (gesturing with a sweep of his hand to the delighted crowd you had attracted) a city that looks lived in!" Thanks to you, Portsmouth was lived in to the hilt on our Market Square Day weekend. We appreciate the vitality you gave so freely to our residents and visitors. Best wishes from all of us at Pro Portsmouth.
sincerely,
Sandra Gae Mitchell, Executive Director
Pro Portsmouth Incorporated
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
May 3, 1984
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for sending us the three excerpts from your book on fiddling; we like them very much.
yours sincerely, Kari Estrin, editor, The Black Sheep Review
Cambridge, Massachussetts
April 4, 1984
Dear Ryan,
Thanks so much for your terrific performance! Everyone was thrilled and so pleased at your playing and spontaneity!
thanks again
Leslie
Town of Newmarket Department of Parks and Recreation
September 26, 1983
Dear Ryan:
Lowell National Historical Park's Fourth Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest was a great success. Your participation in events of this type help promote community awareness of our musical heritage. Thank you for your continued support and great playing. We hope to see you again next year!
sincerely,
Alexander Demas, Musical Specialist
Lowell National Historical Park
October 6, 1982
Dear Ryan:
This is a belated thank you note to let you know how much we appreciated your participation at Milton Day here at the New Hampshire Farm Museum. The music added a lot to the atmosphere of the day...I hope that you enjoyed the home cookin' as much as we enjoyed the musical entertainment.
sincerely.
Will Elwell, Coordinator
New Hampshire Farm Museum
August 20, 1982
Dear Ryan,
The music was great!
William Elwell, Coordinator
New Hampshire Farm Museum
August 20, 1982
Dear Ryan,
Thanks very much for your performance at our Old Home Weekend activities. You added to the success of a special day and fun day at the sidewalk fair!
sincerely,
Leslie Smith
Town of Newmarket Department of Parks and Recreation
October 16, 1981
Dear Ryan and Judy,
Thank you for coming in Yesterday and playing all the songs. We liked all the instruments. We loved the songs you sang. You are very nice to come and sing them to us and show us the instruments.
love, your friends, Mrs. Dawson's Class
Great Falls School, Somersworth, New Hampshire
August 10, 1981
Dear Mr Thomson
We loved the music - it added so much to the atmosphere!
most appreciatively,
Will Elwell, Coordinator
New Hampshire Farm Museum
July 16, 1981
Dear Ryan,
Just an enthusiastic note to thank you and your group for your fine performance at the Old Time Fiddling Celebration this year, which turned out to be a great sucess for all of us.
yours sincerely,
Nicholas Shoumatoff
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
White Plains, New York
June 14, 1981
"Captain Fiddle" Radio Station WUNH
Dear Sir:
Just a note of support for your fine Sunday afternoon programming. As FM becomes more and more homogenized and "corporately controlled," programs of an intense personal nature become more and more important. Indeed, as someone who has only recently been exposed to bluegrass, I feel your program has opened up a whole new area of pleasure.
All of the FM tuners in our home and cars have pre-sets tuned to WUNH -- just for the hours of 12:00 noon to 7 pm (plus the Blues show). The other six days of the week, the presets aren't used at all. Congratulations for your enthusiasm, professionalism, and consistency. You make FM come alive the way all stations should.
sincerely,
Roger C. Parker
Roger Parker Advertising Resource Center
Hampton, New Hampshire
August 12, 1980
Dear Mr Thomson,
Many thanks to you and the band for helping to make a great day!! Many good comments, my appreciation to you!
regards,
Peter Lamb
New Hampshire Farm Museum
June 7, 1980
Dear Ryan and friends,
It has been six weeks since the NEFFA festival, and I had intended to write you long before this...My first reason for writing is to thank you for the contribution which you made to the festival...
Cordially,
Don Miller
New England Folk Festival Association
August 22, 1978
Dear Paul Mangion, Ryan Thomson, and Jim Marks,
Jim Holter of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, and Pieter Lamb of the Farm Museum have asked me to thank you for your support on Old Time Farm Day. The Last Chance String Band made all the difference in the success of our farm day. I enjoyed your music as did the many visitors, and many people commented on what an excellent accompaniment your playing provided to the various activities that day.
Alan Long
New Hampshire Farm Museum
March, 1978
Dear Captain Fiddle,
I wanted to tell you I especially enjoyed last Sunday's program. - I like Dave Grisman and Asleep at the Wheel, and of course the Last Chance Medicine Show. Sunday is the only day of the week I listen to WUNH - due to your show and the Folk Show. Feel free to point this out to your programming editor. (and many of my friends over here feel the same way) keep up the good shows and happy late birthday
a fan from Zoology Department
University of New Hampshire
