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No question that for this type of music that sightlines are critical. Acoustic isolation is also critical. Don't know how your studio is put together, but mine has iso areas with windows, the one for the singer/ guitar player is with "french" doors so sightlines are pretty much floor to ceiling.
I know we're not disagreeing here, but I really found the bleed approach to be the wrong direction given the info in the original post.
Is the singer dead set against headphones? Obviously the two "ringers" should have no problem with any method. I'm not against all people in the same room if the circumstances DEMAND it. Two days ago I recorded an eight person balalaika group all in my main room without headphones. That was the only way they could be recorded properly. So, sometimes it is the right method. But the scenario outlined here ( type of music, drums, two ringers, one amatuer) all screams for the ability to have as much control as possible.
As to mono. Is this in the vain of thirties hotel room recording? "O Brother where Art Thou?". Just have them sing into yonder can. If not, some stereo feel can easily be accomplished. Does the guitar have a decent sounding pickup on it? If so, pan the pickup slightly left and the mic to the right. Envelope the voice with the guitar. Drums are obvious stereo candidates even if it is only a snare. It never hurts to have a couple of cymbals up for this type of music. Brushes, blaststicks etc. are your friends here.
As mentioned earlier, 4 foot high baffles are very useful if you can't use isos. Because the music is quiter than R&R baffles can be very effective in controlling the spill.
By the way, in no way am I advocating that you make your client uncomfortable with improper recording methods, it's just that I haven't picked up anything that says your client is forcing you to use methods that are different than your normal. It seems that you are concerned that this music must be recorded in a different way than you normally do. I have found that most clients ( and I pretty music specialize in acoustic groups and the type of session you are facing. 35 years of just this type of scenario) want the very best sound possible (that's why their neighbor's son isn't doing it) and are willing to try it the way that the pro feels will give the best results. Use what you have learned with rock and bend it to accomodate this session, don't throw out all your experience because this type of music is a new experience. You'll do fine.
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