I've always connected with my audiences, including those with Alzheimer's Disease.

Gary

Donny ... sometimes the artist may be doing that to help him/her really get into the song - especially a sentimental ballad ... other times perhaps it is a way to help concentrate on the song ...
Unless it's Bill Murray as "Nick the Lounge Singer" crooning "Star Wars" https://vimeo.com/148990643

Same here. I would have to consciously repress facial expressions and the like when I'm playing. I've played with a lot of musicians who are the same; this is especially true while soloing. It's like certain other pleasurable activities; if you're feelin' it, it shows . Come on Donny, loosen up. Let those emotions show. Ever watch Joe Cocker or BB King perform? Think they're 'faking it'?

BTW, I'm still laughing at Don's dozing off in the middle of a song; it reminded me of a similar incident that happened in the House of Lords. Lord 'somebody or other' - can't remember his name, said he dreamed that he was giving a speech in the House of Lords, and "when I woke up, by God, I was".

chas

That's the thing, Chas. Guys like us are 'in there', so the chances are the audience is 'in there' too. There's no faking it either. The audience will pick up that as well. A muso's gotta 'commit', I don't know how else to put it.

There's one or two songs i play in tribute to friends that have passed on during which I have momentarily closed my eyes to visualize them..

We have gone astray -- “Are you really DIGGIN IT when you’re playing.

For me ------Is there any other way? Ballad, Rock or Polka? If it’s music I have to give it all I got!

John C.