I tend to buy recordings based on having heard a performer live. When I listen to the studio recordings & hear the person who I heard solo with instrument accompanied by all the back up instruments & vocals I can't stand it. I'll buy a concert recording over studio any time because it's the closest I can get to the live event.

I have limited opportunities to go to live performances so I will go to almost anyone who sounds interesting. I have often been very entertained & at the same time felt I did not care about listening to their music & do not buy the recordings that are for sale.

I have heard others say something to the effect that they'll buy a recording & decide on attending a performance based on the recording. For me that's backwards. Almost every performer I really like, I've heard live first.