The piano player with the knowledge to play sound chord progressions is the heart of a good band. Their mastery of progressions allows them to fill out the sound of a band. Fundamentally strong chord progressions significantly impact the sound of a song and can make it robust or just BUST.
The way that voicing is assigned can make a huge difference in how a song is received. If you review the chord progressions of some the famous musicians from the baroque, classic and romantic eras you will understand this to be true.