30 years of letters to Captain Fiddle!
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.
Click here to go to letters from 1999 to the present.
Following are letters from 1978 - 1998, the most recent first:
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 parcipating in our annual Sunday Summer Concert
Series. Your efforts have certainly helped to make our summer concert series a sucess,
and the beginning of what we hope will be a summer tradtion 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-com-munity 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 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.
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 "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
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. 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
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 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
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