3.6 Art Is Long, Life Is Short: A. Prelude / B. 1st Movement Awakening / C. 2nd Movement Realization / D. 3rd Movement Acceptance "Brandenburger" / E. 4th Movement Rejection / F. Finale - Great Development
3.7 Where Did It Come From? [Alternate Version]
3.8 Brandenburger [Single Version]
4.1 Azrael Revisited
4.2 Pursuing Dreams
4.3 Memories of Empty Days
4.4 Four Examples
4.5 Rondo '69' [Live at Fillmore East, New York]
4.6 She Belongs to Me [Live at Fillmore East, New York]
4.7 Pathetique: 4th Movement [Live at Fairfield Hall]
4.8 Lieutenant Kije (Troika)/Rondo [Live at Fairfield Hall]
4.9 Chasing Dreams [Single Version]
4.10 Memories of Empty Days [Single Version]
Description:
"Immediate Recordings 1967-1969" on CD by The Nice is a comprehensive collection that captures the crucial late-60s period in which the band helped pioneer the transition from psychedelia to progressive rock. Gathering key recordings from their tenure with the Immediate label, this edition showcases the group's adventurous blend of rock, jazz, and classical influences, driven by Keith Emerson's virtuosic organ and piano work, tight rhythmic interplay, and bold arrangements. Listeners can expect extended instrumental passages, dramatic dynamic shifts, and inventive reworkings of classical themes and contemporary songs that illustrate why The Nice became a foundational influence on the emerging prog scene. The remastered sound (where applicable) brings clarity and presence to these historic tracks, making this CD both an essential archive for collectors and an engaging listen for newcomers interested in late-60s British rock experimentation.
The set highlights The Nice's evolution from more compact, song-oriented material towards longer, more ambitious compositions that anticipated the progressive rock explosion of the early 1970s. You hear the band's characteristic mix of Hammond organ swells, bold bass lines, and powerful drumming, along with a sense of live energy that reflects their reputation as a formidable concert act. Liner notes (if included) typically provide valuable historical context, situating these recordings within the broader cultural and musical shifts of 1967-1969, a period marked by creative freedom, studio innovation, and the breaking down of genre boundaries.
The Nice were one of the key British bands at the crossroads of psychedelic and progressive rock. Formed in the late 1960s, they became known for fusing classical motifs and jazz phrasing with rock power, setting a blueprint that would influence later acts in the prog movement. Keith Emerson's imaginative keyboard work, in particular, stood out and later led him to global renown with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but it was with The Nice that many of his signature ideas first took shape. The band's daring live performances, long-form arrangements, and genre-crossing approach have secured them a lasting reputation among connoisseurs of classic and progressive rock.
The CD is released by Solid, a label known for carefully curated reissues and catalogue titles with a strong focus on sound quality and presentation. Solid often concentrates on bringing historically important recordings back into circulation, giving collectors and new listeners alike access to key works that might otherwise be hard to find. With an emphasis on well-produced physical editions and respect for original album concepts, Solid has built a reputation among enthusiasts who value archival depth and faithful releases.
Rock&Pop
107.597
- Beat 220- Bombast Rock 123- Classic Rock 15.375- Glamrock 103- Latin Rock 213- Mainstream Rock 72.570- Rockpop 17.824- Soft Rock/Pop Rock 539- Westcoast 527Songwriter 3.446
