A lost property office is a wondrous place. Objects are sometimes turned in, but never missed; sometimes sought, but never found. Rummaging about in music’s lost and found, Stephan Eicher stumbled upon musicians Heidi Happy, Hank Shizzoe and Olivier Koundouno, who now appear with the master himself to present their dusted off and reinvented treasures. We can expect a unique concert evening featuring some pieces that may be tarnished, however, with a bit of polish, they will shine.

The performance of the Scottish singer/songwriter KT Tunstall is no less artistically ambitious. Her song ‘Suddenly I See’ catapulted her onto the international charts. It’s a catchy song that does not completely reveal the fact that a superb musician is hiding behind the quirky initials KT, which stands for her full first name: Kate Victoria. She appeared in small student clubs in London as ‘Katie’ until she was invited to appear on the Late-Night-Show with Jools Holland – another familiar name at the AVO SESSION Basel. With only a guitar and a few stomp boxes like a loop station that allowed her to become her own live backup band, she sang the song ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’. It was her big break. She got a recording contract and a little later, her debut single, ‘Eye to the Telescope’ was released and made it up to number 3 on the British charts. She was awarded the prize for British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards in 2006. And now at the AVO SESSION Basel, we experience another great solo performance by this one of a kind artist.

Paul Anka’s debut hit single ‘Diana’ catapulted him immediately into the Hall of Fame in 1957 at the tender age of 16, making him the youngest millionaire in the history of music. The hits that followed: ‘Lonely Boy’ and ‘Put Your Head On My Shoulder’ made the Canadian singer with Lebanese roots the most successful entertainer since Elvis. Ever since he started composing for other musicians, Anka has been one of the most successful musicians of all times. Buddy Holly’s ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ and Tom Jones’ ‘She’s a Lady’ were both written by Anka. He also wrote the lyrics for Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and Michael Bublé is his protégé. He has released over 120 albums and sold over 100 million records. These days, Paul Anka is known as the last great crooner, seasoned after years of singing in the big casinos of Las Vegas. When he translates his own as well as cover songs into elegant swing and gives his charm free reign on the stage, Anka glorifies the purest, most beautiful form of entertainment. Joined by his Big Band he presents his programme ‘Rock Swings’ including famous rock classics in Swing versions at AVO SESSION Basel.

Sharon Corr has the same deep understanding of elegant entertainment, but she remains loyal to her homeland and her own history. Her homeland is Ireland, through and through. Her history is her siblings, The Corrs. After touring 15 years with the Corrs, Sharon decided to take an indefinite break. She gave birth to two children and made her comeback in 2010 with her solo debut. It’s beautiful music with heart and soul as Sharon steps out of the background and into the forefront to play first fiddle. She has great joy in giving traditional Irish songs a new twist but also exploring the depth of cover songs like ‘Smalltown Boy’ by Bronski Beat. Now she is ready for the Hall of Fame.

The Blues singer Keb’ Mo’, who is actually named Kevin Moore, grew up in California, but now he lives in New Orleans. During the quest to find his own kind of music, he discovered archaic blues pioneer Robert Johnson, who became one of his most important sources of inspiration. The refined simplicity of his guitar playing, his freedom in form and the stories that Johnson told his listeners influenced Keb’ Mo’ deeply. The difference is that Robert Johnson, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2011, was paid in food and whiskey back in his days. These days, Keb’ Mo’ is rewarded with Grammys for his work. At AVO SESSION, Keb’ Mo’ plays his best known hits as well as songs from his new album ‘The Reflection’. He is joined by Jeff Paris, Keyboards, Guitar, Mandolin, Les Falconer, Drums, Vail Johnson, Bass, Kevin So, Keyboards and Michael B. Hicks, Organ.

A bear of a man, his high voice with its remarkable vibrato contrasts greatly with his appearance. The sounds of the South flow through his music, along with Cajun and Creole music, soul, gospel and even jazz, it forms the basis of his art, which is always carried by deep emotion. At AVO SESSION, Aaron Neville performs with Charles Neville, saxophone, Michael Goods, keyboards, David Johnson, bass/vocals, Makuni Fakuda, guitar and Earl Smith, drums/vocals.