Instabasua: the new album by Valla and Scurati tells the soul of the Four Provinces

There are albums you simply listen to, and others you truly experience. Instabasua, the new work by Stefano Valla and Daniele Scurati, undoubtedly belongs to the latter. It is not just a musical project, but a profound narrative that moves across territories, generations, and memories, conveying the full strength of a tradition that continues to evolve.

At a time when music often feels consumed in mere moments, this album chooses a different path. It is an invitation to slow down, to truly listen, to be carried into a world with ancient roots yet a surprisingly contemporary voice.

Instabasua took shape in August 2025, in a place that is far more than just a setting: Stefano Valla’s home in Cegni, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese. It is here, among hills, silence, and encounters, that the album was recorded.

This choice is no coincidence. In every track, there is a sense of intimacy and authenticity, far removed from the overly polished constructions of recording studios. The sound is alive, direct, capable of conveying not only the music itself, but also the atmosphere that gave birth to it.

Listening to the album, one has the feeling of being there, in that room, among instruments, breaths, and shared glances.

The title itself holds an important key to interpretation. “Instabasua,” a dialect expression referring to the “low hour,” suggests a suspended moment in time—a phase of the day, and perhaps of life, in which something shifts, transforms, and redefines itself.

There is a personal dimension, linked to the artists’ maturity, but also a broader, almost collective reading that reflects an uncertain present, constantly in motion. At the same time, it evokes the evening of village festivities—the moment when communities gather and music truly comes alive.

It is precisely in this balance between reflection and sharing that the album finds its deepest identity.

Stefano Valla and Daniele Scurati represent far more than a musical duo. They are, in every sense, a reference point for the tradition of the Four Provinces, yet their strength lies in their ability not merely to preserve it.

Valla, with his piffero, carries a legacy rooted in the most authentic traditions of the region, shaped through encounters with great masters and a lifetime devoted to music. Scurati, on the accordion, engages with this language naturally, expanding its expressive possibilities.

Together, they create a rare balance in which each piece is never just a performance, but a unique moment—open to improvisation and capable of renewing itself each time. It is this dynamic dimension that makes their work so contemporary.

The album unfolds as a journey through the various forms of musical tradition from the Four Provinces. Dances, songs, and melodies intertwine seamlessly, creating a rich and layered sonic narrative.

There are more intimate, almost suspended moments, where a deep narrative dimension emerges, and others more energetic, connected to dance and celebration. Some tracks are deeply rooted in pure tradition, while others open up to new interpretations, demonstrating how fertile this musical language still is.

Among the most evocative passages, one can sense a contemporary sensitivity, as in compositions that engage with broader artistic influences, further expanding the album’s scope.

The collaborations enrich the project without altering its essence, fitting naturally into an already solid balance.

To truly understand Instabasua, one must look beyond the music and consider the territory from which it emerges. The Four Provinces are not just a geographical area, but a complex cultural system in which music has always been an integral part of daily life.

In these valleys—between Oltrepò Pavese, Val Trebbia, Val Borbera, and Val Staffora—the sound of the piffero and the accordion has long accompanied the most important moments of community life. It is not a museum tradition, but a living heritage that continues to transform.

In these valleys—between Oltrepò Pavese, Val Trebbia, Val Borbera, and Val Staffora—the sound of the piffero and the accordion has long accompanied the most important moments of community life. It is not a museum tradition, but a living heritage that continues to transform.

In a musical landscape often dominated by speed and superficiality, Instabasua moves in the opposite direction. It is an album that demands attention, that cannot be consumed quickly, but instead grows with each listen.

And it is precisely this nature that makes it so relevant today. Because, ultimately, it speaks to something increasingly needed: the value of time, depth, and roots.

This is not a nostalgic exercise, but a concrete example of how tradition can continue to speak to the present, finding new forms without losing its authenticity.

If you want to truly step into the atmosphere of this album, the best way is simply to listen.
On the official page of Stefano Valla and Daniele Scurati, you can find Instabasua and let yourself be guided into the world of the Four Provinces.

👉 Discover and listen to Instabasua