Comments for The Nice, Thoughts Of Emerlist Davjack

Keith Emerson:Keyboards; Lee Jackson:Bass,Vocals; Brian Davison:Drums,Percussion,Bells; David O`List:Guitar

This is the Nice's early 1968 debut album and one of the first, if not the first "prog-rock" record. As one reviewer stated "that's either a complement, or alot to answer for." Unlike the later Nice albums, this one features guitarist David O'List who tries to emulate Hendrix's style, but seriously lacks his chops. Despite the presence of guitar, Keith Emerson is mostly in the forfront here, often fighting for lead position with O'List. The combination of classical and rock elements never really get on this album and come off as showy and clumsy and anyone with any sort of musical knowledge would know that "Rondo" is nothing more than Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo Ala Turk" in 4/4. This album is far from boring, although it is more entertaining than good. Think of it as a wheel before the edges have been rounded off.