From Europe to Mississippi: Matt Pascale and Basile Veyries Discover the Roots of the Blues

Two young European blues musicians, Matt Pascale from Italy and Basile Veyries from France, are heading to Mississippi, USA, for a special musical experience: taking part in the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshops in Clarksdale, a destination deeply connected to the history, culture and enduring legacy of the blues.

For young musicians passionate about blues, travelling to Mississippi represents an opportunity to get closer to the musical traditions that have shaped this genre for generations. From its distinctive rhythms and expressive guitar styles to its powerful vocals and rich musical heritage, the blues remains a living tradition that continues to inspire musicians across Europe and around the world.

Learning the Blues at Its Roots

Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Clarksdale is internationally recognised as one of the most significant places in blues history. Its musical heritage makes it an inspiring destination for musicians who want to explore the origins of the genre and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which the blues developed.

The Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshops provide a learning environment dedicated to blues music and its transmission to new generations. Educational initiatives of this kind help aspiring musicians develop their skills, broaden their musical knowledge and strengthen their connection with the traditions that continue to influence contemporary blues.

For Matt Pascale and Basile Veyries, this journey is an opportunity to bring their European musical experiences into dialogue with the birthplace of the blues, discovering new perspectives and deepening their understanding of this extraordinary musical language.

Basile Veyries from France

European Blues United Through Music

This journey also highlights the importance of international cooperation within the European blues community.

Thanks to the support of the European Blues Union (EBU) and France Blues, Matt and Basile can share their experiences with blues fans and musicians back home. Their journey offers a closer look at the educational opportunities available to emerging artists and demonstrates how collaboration between organisations can help young musicians pursue their passion for the blues.

Supporting the next generation of blues artists is essential to ensuring that the genre continues to evolve while preserving its historical roots. By encouraging cultural exchange, musical education and connections between countries, initiatives like this help strengthen the European blues scene and its relationship with the wider international blues community.

Matt Pascale from Italy

Follow Their Mississippi Blues Adventure

The journey of Matt Pascale and Basile Veyries will be documented through a special live report, giving readers the opportunity to follow their experiences in Mississippi.

From their arrival in Clarksdale to their participation in the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshops, their reports offer a personal perspective on what it means for young European musicians to explore the roots of the blues and learn more about the music they love.

Their adventure is also an invitation to discover the cultural connections that bring blues musicians together across borders, generations and musical traditions.

Stay tuned for updates from Mississippi and follow Matt Pascale and Basile Veyries on their blues journey!

A special thank you to the European Blues Union and France Blues for supporting this initiative and helping bring the European blues community closer to the roots of the music.

Please check our scholarship program for your European musicians here: https://europeanbluesunion.com/blues-for-youth/