Unforgettable

Over 45 years ago, Carsten Linde had the brilliant idea of ​​inviting folk musicians from various countries to the Stockfisch Studio in Northeim for a collaborative session. The way Carsten managed to turn this gathering into reality in 1979 borders on a miracle. A second "Folk Friends" meeting took place in October 1980. The recordings produced during this session exceeded the total running time of the double LP released at the time, meaning many tracks remained unreleased. Forty-five years later, we rediscovered these high-quality analog recordings in the Stockfisch archives. This release is thus both a document from a bygone era and a memento of cherished musicians who have since passed away. Günter Pauler, January 2026 Preparations for the 1980 Folk Friends sessions spanned nearly two years. There was a great deal to organize: artists' tour schedules and long-term commitments had to be coordinated, train and flight tickets booked, accommodation arranged for 15 musicians and 7 guests, and a time slot reserved for a week of making music together at Günter Pauler’s recording studio. Finally, the moment arrived: the first musicians were already arriving, while others still needed to be picked up. Warm greetings and hugs were exchanged; laughter and conversation filled the room. Some had not seen each other for years, while others were meeting for the very first time. After initial discussions regarding song selection, potential arrangements, and collaborative pairings, instruments were quickly picked up, and Günter Pauler began recording. All the Folk Friends listened intently, impressed by his technical expertise and his gift for conjuring up sonically superb tracks at the mixing console. The session further fueled the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and even today—more than 45 years later—we still recall those feelings that uplifted us all and forged lasting bonds. We talked and rehearsed late into the night; everyone was bursting with ideas and giving their all. The presence of so many musician friends was a tremendous inspiration, and spontaneous partnerships—previously unimagined—emerged during those days. Friendship, musical harmony, and technical excellence came together that week in a creative process where one thing naturally led to another. In the end, we listened to the recordings together and decided which ones would make it onto the double album *Folk Friends 2*. Afterward, the Folk Friends scattered in all directions. We would occasionally run into one another at each other's concerts, but we never gathered again as a large group. What remained was the bond of friendship—forged in 1980 and strengthened over the years. Every song from the 1980 session deserved a place on the album, but space was limited. The outtakes went into the archives, where they were recently rediscovered by Günter Pauler. Like the recordings released on *Folk Friends 2* in 1980, these are handcrafted acoustic songs rich in emotional depth. We are releasing them now, 45 years later, as a record and reflection of the music the Folk Friends shared across Europe. These songs preserve their dreams of friendship, togetherness, and a just world free from war. Like them, we believe in the power of poetry and music to bring people together. We dedicate these recordings to the Folk Friends who have since passed away: Derroll Adams, the legendary banjo player; Alex Campbell, the Scottish troubadour; Guy Carawan, singer of the American civil rights movement; Werner Lämmerhirt, a wizard on the guitar; Wizz Jones, highly esteemed "folksinger's folksinger"; Dolores Keane, queen of Irish female singers; and Danny Thompson. The Folk Friends and their songs: Too Good To Be Forgotten. Carsten Linde, January 2026