The Nice

Biography

Originally the back-up band to soul singer P.P. Arnold, the Nice became one of the true originators of what has variously been described as pomp-rock, art-rock and classical rock. The band was formed by Keith Emerson (2 November 1944, Todmorden, Lancashire, England; keyboards), Brian ‘Blinky’ Davison (b. 25 May 1942, Leicester, England, d. 15 April 2008, Horns Cross, Devon, England; drums), Lee Jackson (b. Keith Lee Jackson, 8 January 1943, Newcastle upon Tyne, England; bass/vocals), and David O’List (b. 13 December 1948, Chiswick, London, England; guitar). After leaving Arnold in October 1967 the quartet quickly built a reputation as one of the country’s most visually exciting bands. Emerson’s stage act involved, in true circus style, throwing knives into his Hammond organ, which would emit outrageous sounds, much to the delight of the audience. Their debut, The Thoughts Of Emerlist Davjack, while competent, came nowhere near reproducing...

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