so I don't think I actually need to ask my question

but 

it'd be cool if you clarify what the best way would be for any follow-up communication in regards to feedback.

...

the clarification was...
The reason the backing track isn't coming through in the recording is because I was listening to it with headphones
Basically performing (harmonically) naked (no place to hide)

I was going to ask if it would be better for me to have the backing track heard; or if I should just stick to what I'm doing and keep that out of the mix so to speak

but

I realized:
Playing to a metronome wouldn't really give me anywhere to hide harmonically

AND it would be better if I only performed from memory rather than visual or auditory reminders from a backing track.

So I'm just going to do that next time and see how that goes.