Claire, you're right, with modern mikes you can do that and get away with it 'cos most of them nowadays come with overdesigned blast shields. Try it both ways with the mic you are using and see which you like best. But don't just get right up close and shout and think that you're doing great.

An example of 9/8 time! reminds me of a Callers Club (UK) meeting I went to once and someone asked for examples of different times. Tommy Cavanagh stood up there with his accordian and using Irish Washerwoman as an example, played it first in 2/4, then 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8 times. Bloody amazing!