For me I couldn't care less if I didn't get a solo, anytime. Don't need em. I get thrown some and I do try and do my best, but really...I prefer it if I don't get featured. I get my kicks by doing the opposite of what most drummers I see do, which is: not hot dogging, not needing to bring attention to my part, not playing for my next drum fill. I secretly work in the background concocting little nuances that make things feel great, and that go right by most people, they don't even realize why, but they just feel good. That fill I just left out...builds tension. Most drummer would have released there, but I like building the anticipation. That's my target. Guitarists think I'm a breath of fresh air because I can hold a beat during their solo without filling and crashing and releasing the tension after every 4 bars. I will build their solo, create and build the tension and ride with them to the peak of it then release all that built up tension at the exact spot that it feels the best, and totally compliment them at the solo's zenith, then ramp it down and transition back into the next part with style and grace, all without taking away from them as the focal point. I get off on making the others look great. Drums can do that like no other instrument. By doing so, I don't feel the need for individual attention, I know what I'm doing is important and appreciated, both by the crowd and the musicians. I definitely am uncomfortable being the center of attention anyway, the way I play has a lot to do with my personality.
That's my approach FWIW.
Due to an unfortunate act of nature and genetics, my face is shaped in a way that makes people think I am angry or sad all the time.
Larry, I like your comment about building tension. That principle holds in other areas of life too ...Most drummer would have released there, but I like building the anticipation. That's my target. Guitarists think I'm a breath of fresh air because I can hold a beat during their solo without filling and crashing and releasing the tension after every 4 bars. I will build their solo, create and build the tension and ride with them to the peak of it then release all that built up tension at the exact spot that it feels the best
Larry, I like your comment about building tension. That principle holds in other areas of life too ...
umm, back to the topic .....
My "presence" is something I always have to think about. Due to an unfortunate act of nature and genetics, my face is shaped in a way that makes people think I am angry or sad all the time. My neutral expression seems to put people off. I also have a tendency to stare at my snare drum or bass drum foot when playing. I have to make a effort to look up when playing. I have also worked with a mirror and with my wife to come up with a netural expression when playing. I have to press my lips together just enough that it doesn't look like I'm frowning, but not so much that I get a cheesy smile.
Larry, I like your comment about building tension. That principle holds in other areas of life too ....
polly....
dunno dude, i guess the URL was more than 20 characters. 'tis a mystery