i was thinking about what might be seen as opposing tendencies in music, namely about playing with spontaneity, passion etc and on the other hand going for perfection in tone and overall flawless execution - what i was wondering was whether you could have both or if you had to go for one at the expense of the other - i read a critic of miles davis writing about his playing and saying that he (miles) chose the takes that were better played technically in preference to those that were more exciting if a bit rough around the edges - i suppose it’s about the tension between playing safe and really going for it - in my own small way i’ve noticed that sometimes when i play a bit looser my playing sounds more free but is perhaps a tiny bit sloppy
I think both technique and attitude to playing can be practiced, but technique needs to come first in order for you to have an open mind when you can just go with the flow and do spontaneous stuff and “live in the music” without being distracted by difficulties in technique. For example Paddy Keenan seems to have both most of the time. I think a little sloppiness doesn’t matter, it’s still better than being just a record player unless that’s what is needed in that situation (playing in a band where everyone does the same variations at the same time etc).
As Islander said, technique is important, but when it comes right down to it, don’t be boring!
What is a “record player”?
A device which is usually supposed to play back recordings the same way every time. I’m sorry, it was an analogy… 
I was just musing on this after spending a weekend listening to Mick O’Brien in various settings. Like the folks above, I tend to think that technique serves the music. When you hear truly great players, they can pretty much play anything. And because they can pretty much play anything, they can then play the way they choose to. I took a class with Paddy Keenan a few years back and as I understood him, it’s that way for him, too. In developing your technique you learn your instrument inside and out, you explore all its/your capabilities and limitations, and then you start taking it from there.
A record player is for playing 7-inch singles and 12-inch EPs at 45 rpm, or 12-inch LPs at 33 1/3 rpm.
How’s that for showing my age!! 
what no 7" 16 rpm’s or 10" 78’s ???
john…its not good to have one side without the other. all technique and no spirit is just as horrible as no technique and all inspiration; at a ‘greater-than-amateur’ piping level.
Im not saying ‘never play what you feel if you cant back it up flawlessly’,
nor am i saying ‘devour & regurgitate all possible classic pipe 78’s verbatim before you reach for your own groove’.
its like a chemical experiment, add in the volatile potion into the base littel by little, or it’ll explode, you will get covered in green slime, and then zombies will eat your brain.
unless you’re Paddy Keenan and you do it all!
I didn’t know that CD’s came in those sizes. I’ll keep a look out next time I’m in the shops.