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Drums reproduction

Considering audio's desire to reproduce live performance as accurately as possible, why do you think the drums are recorded so far back in the mix? I've attended many jazz and fusion performances and many drummers are at the sonic forefront of their bands. Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, et all sonicly fill the room like nobody's business. Even less powerful drummers are on equal footing with their bandmates. Why does it not sound so on recordings? The drums are politely included for percussive colorations but in no way dominate like live. Example: Elvin Jones live powerfully fills every bit of the room to the point that it can border on exhaustion. But on recordings he can sound like a pipsqueak in comparison, just another polite member of the band. Please don't confuse the performance of the musician. It seems like it is the producers choice. Why?
richardmr

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lokie
528 posts
 
A CD on the top of everyones best of list is Nevermind by Nirvana. The drummer, Dave Grohl (sp?)(current lead singer, guitarist and writer for the Foo Fighters) is most definitely in the forefront of the sound of this already classic rock recording. I would say that the drums definely "dominate." Put on track 4 and buckle your seatbelt.
Speaking of dominating drummers... I saw great drummer this weekend: Stanton Moore with the band "Galactic" (from New Orleans... very jammy and funky) Wow, this guy can really get after it.
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