Hey, Jerry!

I couldn't agree with you more. We've all heard musicians who could play circles around us with their brilliant technique. Unfortunately, they often rely on that technique as an end in itself instead of using it in the service of actually making music. Making it your own is the only way I know to change a row of notes into music.

After 60 years, I've gotten fairly adept at spotting players in any genre whose attitude is "listen to me" as opposed to "listen to this." The difference is not subtle once you start listening for it.