the dude that I play with actually has these plexiglass "half-bowls" on the bottom of his drums to direct the sound forward. We found that if we face the kit into the wall or put up a small enclosure around him that it makes a difference. Also, being on the 2nd drummer that I've played with who is LIGHTYEARS better than the first dude, he's able to play softly and sound good doing it. I'm using a 60w Fender Princeton Reverb and I NEVER have to crank it. I find when it's too loud I can't hear everyone well eoungh to be able to play.

yeah, it's fun wakin the neighbors but you have to deal with them the next day! =)