I returned to the Esel that evening. It was to be a full house. The audience was enthusiastic and welcoming. Günter introduced me to his assistant, Hans-Jörg. For the first time on a tour I took requests from the audience and it was a great gig with a standing ovation and many new friends, including Manfred, a luthier who only a year later would build me my first authentic four string guitar.
After the show, Günter asked if I would like to come see his studio the following day. I was expecting a small, in-house studio and had no idea what was to come. The studio was an elaborate state of the art room located in a remodeled medieval cellar, once inhabited by monks. A long story put short, I was very impressed and realized that Günter was not only a soundman but producer, as well. As I was leaving he said he would like to record me someday and we bid our farewells.
In October of the same year I signed a one page contract with Stockfisch and returned to Germany to begin the musical journey with Chris Jones and Günter Pauler. Thus, you can see that it all began with this concert at the "Gasthaus Zum Esel". Chris, Günter and me. And the horse I used to ride." (This 2015 CD release contains exactly the mix that Sara K. had received from Günter Pauler in 2001.)
