I've received many unsolicited letters concerning
my teaching, performances, recordings, and publications over the
years. These letters and excerpts are all authentic. I've decided
to share themwith you! Names and addresses of personal letters
are omitted to protect privacy.
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.
via email
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
recieved 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.
via email
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 at tyour 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
not dated
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
Hey Ryan,
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
not dated
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
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
not dated
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
not dated
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
October 2, 1991
November 10, 1992
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
August 12, 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
not dated
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
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
not dated
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
not dated
Dear Ryan,
I loved the "Fidller'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 committment 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, Massachusettes
March 22, 1989
Dear Ryan, I have thouroughly 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
Sepember 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. Sincerly,
C.A.
New Bedford, Massachusetts
March 17, 1987
About 3 weeks ago I was at the library looking around at violin
books and accidently 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 particupating in the Candelight 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 magzine 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 Ive seen yet at NEFFA (New England
Folk Festival Association) last year because you really did teach!
P.M.
Arlington, Massachusettes
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 sucess 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
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 extrordinary
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 werw 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 apprciate 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 perfomance at our Old Home Weekend activities.
You added to the sucess 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