My current 1x9 setup (check the link in my sig) is a massive pain in the arse (39x11-34 9sp with a friction-shifting, long-cage Deore). Throws chains all the time (almost daily) and I haven't fully diagnosed the cause yet. I do not recommend the use of wide-range pie-plate cassettes in this sort of a configuration.

The bike was MUCH happier with a 36x11-28 8sp setup.

You will want a chainring with tall teeth, possibly a bash guard, and also a Chain Watcher or similar to keep the chain from throwing. I have also been told that short-cage road derailleurs are better than mountain ones for this.