I started out playing trumpet, but I am SO guilty of doing the same thing I was criticizing him for doing. That's why I'm so aware of it, because I have to guard against it. When I'm playing sax or trumpet I actually do as Diki recommended, hold my breath or sing along with the ride.
Ian, I used to play guitar, but haven't picked one up in quite a while other than to strum around the house a little. I have had the honor of playing with some world class pickers though, and I try to listen to them and learn something every time. I thought I was ready to die and go to Heaven when James Burton complimented my guitar emulation one night! He said something like, "you can do all that and don't even have callouses".
I think the secret is to keep it simple. I get in trouble by playing too much and too fast.
I play best regardless of the sound if I don't think about it.
To paraphrase Chevy Chase in Caddyshack, BE THE MUSIC.