I'm a percussionist/singer and gig regularly with the lead singer from my band if we're playing small rooms, or budget is a big concern for the venue. We gig with the tunes all the time and have been doing it for 15 years, so lack of practice is usually a non-issue. My recommendations are:

1. Practice as much as possible to work up some great sets that you know really well: this one's a no brainer.
2. If you're considering BIAB, it could be a great tool for individual practice. Pan drum is an interesting instrument because it's musically a closer relative to the mallet instruments (xylophone, vibraphone, etc.). I'm also a public school music teacher and use SmartMusic backing tracks (which sound basically like BIAB) all the time with students.
3. Once you've done the above, decide if you might like to take some or all of the BIAB elements "on the road" to use on gigs. I'd imagine that with pan and uke, you'd benefit from drums and bass either way, but other possibilities are pretty much endless as well. Playing to a rigid backing track does present its own set of challenges, as Norton said.

If this duo act is one that you want to really develop, BIAB could be just the ticket. However, it's going to take some considerable time to put the songs together and tweak things to your needs. I hope this helps!

-Mark

Last edited by railway mark; 01/02/17 08:23 AM.
Mark
2020 BIAB Audiophile, Mixcraft Pro 9
Band: http://www.midwesternlull.com