Well-known, talented ShaunMusiq launches his album “Missing Piece” with “Magama” with long-time collaborator Thatohatsi.
Thatohatsi has been part of the project from the outset, but it feels like a purposeful choice to open the album with them. Their relationship has been tested on several ShaunMusiq records before this one came out. Launching a 21-track album with an established collaboration makes for a confident start.
The beat is a typical blend of warm piano work and steady, rolling log drums that leans into that classic ShaunMusiq recipe. Nothing here is rushed. The groove takes its time and keeps it. That slow build is present on practically every track on “Missing Piece.”
ShaunMusiq arranges it cleanly and layered without overwhelming the mix. Thatohatsi’s vocals are given lots of space to breathe over the instrumental. That restraint has been one of the most consistent features of his producing technique.
Thatohatsi has that same soulful touch that listeners have grown to expect, adding tremendous depth from the very first moments of the album. Their voice sits nicely in the mix, not vying for space.
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