Given the responses to my last analogy (to sports) I figured I'd try another one...
Listening to one of my favorite jazz tunes (Ole by John Coltrane) led me to ask - what role in a band most closely resembles that of a leader?
I propose that it's the drummer - what do you think?
Drummers enable success for the soloist, The best solos always have a great drummer behind them.
The drummer establishes the rhythm and cadence of the band.
The drummer carefully monitors the soloists and adds fire to the rhythm when needed and gives space when it makes sense to.
Have a listen to Ole and focus on the drums. There's a lot complexity there. Never resting, but never dominating the soloists.
One more thought - if any of the above is true why aren't more band leaders drummers?
