The Nice-Ars Longa Vita Brevis (1968)

"Ars Longa Vita Brevis" is The Nice's second album, the first recorded as a trio after guitarist David O'List left the band. For many, this is arguably the first truly progressive rock album, with a symphonic style crafted for both a rock band and a symphony orchestra. On this second album, Keith Emerson's keyboards take center stage, dominating the sound and establishing him as the undisputed leader of the group, showcasing his immense talent as a keyboardist and composer. However, the other two musicians are among the finest instrumentalists of the era: Brian Davidson (drums and percussion) and Lee Jackson (bass, guitar, and vocals), both perfectly complementing Emerson's virtuosic keyboard onslaught. This debut album is a tremendous pioneer in the development of what would become the progressive and symphonic trends in the near future. The six movements of the main theme are an excellent interpretation of classical music readapted for this power trio, where there is room for everything from jazzy sounds to pompous inclinations, passing through the pure symphonic musical language and rock.