Yeah, know exactly what you are saying
Quite often associates will say "I really liked what you did in xxx-yyy section". And, honestly, I have absolutely no idea what I did. My only savior is that I use lead sheets when I play and follow them (too much). But, that way, I can meander my way back to a semblance of the melody
I hear you loud and clear
Many times I have meandered, or as I like to say used improvisation, to get back to the melody. If one learns both how to do that and that heaven is one half step away from that bad note they just played they can jam with anyone.