The Nice – Ars Longa Vita Brevis

Special reissue of The Nice's innovative second album, presented in stunning remastered quality and featuring striking color x-ray marbled vinylOriginally released in 1968, this recording propelled progressive rock into unexplored realms, merging psychedelic rock, jazz elements, and classical influences to shape the genre's trajectory into the 1970s. Initially recorded with the original lineup of Keith Emerson, Lee Jackson, Davy O'List, and Brian Davison, the album took a transformative turn when O'List departed mid-session, leaving The Nice to complete it as a commanding, organ-driven trio.Side One continues the path set by the band's debut, The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack, featuring shorter, pop-psychedelic compositions interwoven with avant-garde elements. Tracks such as Daddy Where Did I Come From and Little Arabella highlight Emerson's groundbreaking keyboard layering, incorporating piano and Hammond organ textures. Meanwhile, Side Two unveils the album's true centerpiece-the epic title track Ars Longa Vita Brevis, an audacious 19-minute fusion of rock trio and full symphonic orchestra, marking one of the earliest and most innovative collaborations between rock and classical music.

1. Daddy Where Did I Come from
2. Little Arabella
3. Happy Freuds
4. Intermezzo from the Karelia Suite
5. Don Edito El Gruva
6. Ars Longa Vita Brevis - Symphony for Group and Orchestra
7. Prelude
8. 1st Movement: Awakening
9. 2nd Movement: Realisation
10. 3rd Movement: Acceptance Brandenburger"
11. 4th Movement: Denial
12. Coda-Extension to the Big Note"

Label: Immediate

Catalog: 20

Genre: Rock