How many times have you walked out at the end of a concert and said, "Boy!, I really loved that concert! He didn't make any mistakes?" I thought so.

Where is the balance between trying not to make mistakes, and making the greatest mistake of all: not getting the feeling of the song? There is a technically proficient guitar player I've done workshops with who has painstakingly transcribed the most complex ragtime pieces and plays them with precision and clarity. With absolutely NO feeling for ragtime music. You don't want to get up and dance. If ragtime music doesn't make you want to move, you got it wrong, even if technically you were perfect. I've seen the same with gospel music. People have all the techniques down pat... look up to the ceiling (as if God was hanging from the chandelier) with longing in your eyes, get that little catch in your voice, and practice humility in front of a mirror. But, the Spirit wouldn't touch that song with a ten foot pole.

There is a certain segment of every audience that is impressed with technique or showmanship, who will whoop and holler if you hold a note for two minutes when you're singing, or play sixty notes a minute on a guitar break. I am impressed with technique, and think that everyone should try to perform to the best of their ability. But for me, technique may be impressive, but it's not moving. Like watching a roller-skating bear. I'm amazed that they can do it, but it's just a performance.

Every musician has to find their own balance of performance skills, entertainment skills and musical skills. But as the bible says, without love, we are like clanging cymbals. I've heard my share. What about you?

For those of great gramatical sensitivity... please don't change the title of this thread. Sometimes it's alright to make misteaks.

Jerry