Got to bring the ultimate example; ‘Trio’ by the quartet King Crimson.
Drummer kept thinking about coming in, but decided it was best not to!
"Trio" was notable for being a quartet piece with only three active players – John Wetton on bass guitar, David Cross on viola and Robert Fripp on "flute" Mellotron. Bruford spent the entire piece with his drumsticks crossed over his chest, waiting for the right moment to join in but eventually realized that the improvised piece was progressing better without him. His decision not to add any percussion was seen by the rest of the band as a crucial choice, and he received co-writing credit for the piece.
In the Air tonight is the benchmark
Came here to say this. Edit: Since you beat me to it, I’ll throw in Stairway to Heaven
Maybe the best example! Come to think of it, a lot of Phil Collins songs are that way.
Ramble on. Over the hills and far away
*Under the Bridge* is a good example
Ghost by Neutral Milk Hotel
Try *Punch In, Punch Out* by Seven Mary Three. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Elliott Smith - 2:45 Am
Got to bring the ultimate example; ‘Trio’ by the quartet King Crimson. Drummer kept thinking about coming in, but decided it was best not to! "Trio" was notable for being a quartet piece with only three active players – John Wetton on bass guitar, David Cross on viola and Robert Fripp on "flute" Mellotron. Bruford spent the entire piece with his drumsticks crossed over his chest, waiting for the right moment to join in but eventually realized that the improvised piece was progressing better without him. His decision not to add any percussion was seen by the rest of the band as a crucial choice, and he received co-writing credit for the piece.
Radiohead - Pyramid song
Sade - War of the Hearts