 Every solo is a declaration of independence, but the Constitution is in the hands of the rhythm section. Just the audacity of being a group of people whose job is to make up something to accompany other people who are making something up. What they actually do is fascinating. It's magic, kinetic alchemy. That rhythm section is capable of everything from putting stars on the night sky to setting fire to the underbrush. They must play in all temples and all keys, no lexicon of dance grooves, and deal with people sitting in who don't really know what they want. Capable of adjusting the backing environment with one or two simple instructions, their decisions tell you where to go and how to get there. If they stop playing, the gig stops. That's why they are the bottom line guardians on matters of harmony and rhythm. Under constant pressure from applause chasing vacuous soloists, the same way a government is besieged by lobbyists and lawyers to violate their regulations and sell out the interest of the people to the most advantageous suitor, that rhythm section must exhibit uncommon internal integrity to play together and great external integrity to make sure that the music doesn't become much less than it could be. They are custodians of the integrity of the process of swinging. Well, the modern rhythm section typically consists of three people who are constantly negotiating, checking, and balancing each other for the duration of a piece. What better to have than an odd number of people with jurisdiction over different aspects of the music, the bass in charge of the bottom, the piano covering all the harmonies and melodies, the drums adding spice and magic to everything that they cook up. All three are custodians of the time trying to figure out how to match their various points of attack to produce a single touch, while also trying to be in two and four step on every beat. When swinging, here's an example of their internal dialogue expressed outwardly in glances, nods, grunts, and gesticulations. You're rushing, you're dragging, the bass is not digging in enough, the feel is not right, play the accents here, come in on two. It goes on all night long. It's one of the greatest things to watch. The repetition of harmonic cycles and the constant attempting to interact with soloists who may not be interested in playing with anyone but themselves. Advanced political skills are required to be a good rhythm section.