Years ago I read about a concept in engineering which is referred to as "elegance". Elegant solutions have everything that is needed, nothing that is surplus.
Here's Martin Simpson accompanying June Tabor. One voice, one guitar. I think this is "elegant" playing, serves the song and the vocal beautifully. The balance is so good - nothing dominates and the musical (and lyrical) statement is made without anything else being needed. I'm not just raving about minimalism here - I think it takes skill and great judgement to get this sort of thing right.
Strange Affair
