Josiah wrote:Wow... ok.
Haven't heard Mike with DT yet, but other solos of his in various context are very obviously filled with improvisation/free form. Peart on the other hand. I think it's a safety net with Peart, his playing hasn't changed in 30 plus years - pretty much the same solo for the last decade now as is. He delivers that particular product and (maybe?) has no interest in evolving any further as a musician.
Considering the number of guys who actually do pre-written out solos is in the utmost tiny minority, it's probably a personal thing. Soloing over a vamp, form, melody, structure, etc is the common place method.
Music is expression, a solo spot for drums is a chance to express whatever that drummer wants too. Imagine a person who repeated the same 2 paragraphs verbatim every single time someone asked their opinion? Talking points should never be applied to music.
Miles Davis -
“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.”
“If it sounds clean and slick, I’ve been doing it too long.”
In regards to Peart, I think he's going for a more "orchestral" type of arrangement with his solos. This would match up with the rest of that band-they all play their songs pretty much note for note.
Keep in mind, Neil Peart is not a jazz drummer. Most of his playing is for composed Rush songs. But I do agree with your point in general.