Trios made up of guitar, voice and bass??

[percy_jones]

Hi guys I hope someone can help me with this. I started a project and the idea is to make a tiro (voice-guitar-bass) to play in bars, birthdays, partys. And the thing is that I´m trying to find some recordings with this line up to hear some ideas concerning the arrangements. The thing is to play some kind of pop little jazzy thing, with our own versions of the songs and arrangements. We are thinking to do some queen, beatles, this song called ain´t no sunshine, etc. I´ll appreciate any help with these things, or any advice or idea. Thanks!

[Against Will]

The only band I can think of that had this lineup was Young Marble Giants, a kind of post-punk Welsh band from the 80's. They're not very pop, or jazzy, but they do some interesting things. A lot of their songs used a primitive drum machine (actually tape recordings of a primitive drum machine) to provide an vague outline of a beat, but on songs like "Final Day" and "Searching for Mr. Right", the guitar provides the percussion while the bassist does the melody on bass or keys. Allison Statton was also a fantastic vocalist and did a lot of the work too.

I guess short answer is everyone is going to have to work harder to make up for the lack of percussion, especially if you're going to be doing rock songs.

[pasta4lnch]

fwiw I play w/ an acoustic gtrist/singer all the time. just the two of us. works out well - pretty much play the parts, maybe try to cover a rhythm or groove if one of us can. . . some other friends do the same gtr/bass/2 vox.

most songs work themselves out. some just aren't as cool if we cant cover a signature part, but we cover a nice 3 hour long sets just fine . . .

[James Hart]

I played in a trio like that a few years back... Acoustic / Singer + Lead Guitar + Bass

Here we some takes from my living room without the lead player:

http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...05-believe.mp3
http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp3s/wake-03-fear.mp3
http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...-last_song.mp3

and at a coffee house gig as the trio:

http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...08-unnamed.mp3
http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...09-laydown.mp3
http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...ive-07-son.mp3
http://www.myselfalone.com/tracks/mp...rey_street.mp3

[ThunderLizard]

Percy-
My advice is not be afraid of some empty space. Don't feel like you have to be super busy.
I played drummerless and found that I had to get use to the spot that was usually filled by drums and cymbals. It can be a very good set-up for the right market, especially parties that just wanted some background music while the guests mingled.

[jumbosilverette]

We play Hawaiian music and that is our lineup. Go to my myspace page (moanamele) for an example.

[Aged_Clayman]

and at a coffee house gig as the trio

Great tracks, I especially dig the "Grey Street", it sounds as if you got John Frusciante to play this one

[msiner]

The Devil Makes Three is a great example of what can be done with three people and no drums. They are probably not the greatest example for your case, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to give them a plug.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by Aged_Clayman

Great tracks, I especially dig the "Grey Street", it sounds as if you got John Frusciante to play this one

John Frusciate who thought he was Trey Anastasio (lead guy was a Phish head)

Thanks

[The Owl]

Originally Posted by ThunderLizard

Percy-
My advice is not be afraid of some empty space. Don't feel like you have to be super busy.
I played drummerless and found that I had to get use to the spot that was usually filled by drums and cymbals. It can be a very good set-up for the right market, especially parties that just wanted some background music while the guests mingled.

Well put! Back in the early 90's, I played bass in a drummerless band with a guitarist/singer and a woodwind player. It definitely forces one to be more rhythmic and aware.

[McDreads]

we had to play a radio-gig without a drummer, I think the songs kept their impact
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFgB3KUt1DI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UywiKDciuYE

[seanm]

I've played country gigs with vocals/rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and bass. Worked great.

I've also played duets with vocals/guitar and bass. It can also work well. Helps that the guitar player has a looper so that he can loop the rhythm guitar during solos.

[percy_jones]

thanks guys!! must check those bands out. Great tunes james, I loved the fills from belive.
Thunder lizard that is my issue, I really don`t know if I have to play very legato or to cover up the drums and make a more groovy thing.
I`ll post some recordings as soon as I have them. thanks again!!