My initial impression is, yes, brass. And live percussion, there really is nothing like seeing a good live drummer, especially one that has something beyond a 4-on-the-floor-stomp repertoire of rhythms.

I also concur with: bowed saw and theremin -- there really is something quite beautiful about legato instruments like that.

Synthesizers are way too often 'canned' -- my dream in life is to be a touring musician with bands like Curve and Garbage and Godhead and Stabbing Westward and God Lives Underwater and the like, playing live synthesizers.Most people look all degrees of ridiculous when crouched over their laptop, with the phosphorous glow illuminating that slightly dull stare, bobbing their heads ever so slightly.

HOWEVER...

Have you seen Evolution Control Committee? They are all sorts of cool live.

Umm...apparently, they are just finishing up a tour, but have a few dates left on the left coast.

Actually, that's just a MIDI controller, there's nothing to hear. Per se. And no, I don't have one of those.

I have two.