Ryan plays a vintage George Washburn banjo made in the late 1800's. He has won many awards for banjo playing including contests in Pennsylvania, California, and Massachusetts. He plays in the old time clawhammer square dance style, using the drop thumb technique. Most of the tunes on this CD are chestnuts of the appalachian mountain repertoire. His original pieces, including the title tune - Great Bay Stomp, are inspired by Ryan's town of Newmarket, New Hampshire,which is situated on Great Bay, on the Atlantic Ocean. Here's the review from the Winter 1999-2000 issue of the Old Time Herald: "On this release, Ryan puts fiddle and band behind, and lays out 19 tracks of rock solid, solo, traditional clawhammer banjo...All are played confidently, evenly, and with a maturity that comes from living with the music over time...The impression this recording gives is that of Thomson at home, relaxing with familiar tunes, and just having a comfortable time....Great Bay Stomp is a solid, pleasing and highly listenable homemade recording that stands up well through repeated listening." Here are some comments from satisfied customers: "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." Ryan: Received CD today and am listening to it as I write. LOVE IT !!! Oh how I wish I could play that good. "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. " A note from Ryan - since I received this comment, I have published a book of tabs for this CD. "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."