One of the first art-rock bands to experiment with classical forms and fusion, The Nice was an early vehicle for the talents of keyboard virtuoso Keith Emerson. The group began as the backing band for British soul singer P.P. Arnold and quickly built a reputation as an exciting, theatrical live band. With Emerson's instrumental skill and showmanship, they fused rock with jazz and classical music, creating unique adaptations of famous compositions such as Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 3.
The Nice released hit albums in Britain but never broke through in America. In frustration, Emerson disbanded the group in 1970 and formed the much more popular Emerson, Lake and Palmer with Greg Lake and Carl Palmer. After the breakup, Lee Jackson formed Jackson Heights while Brian Davison joined Every Which Way and later Gong.
In 2002 and 2003, The Nice reunited for a one-off tour in the UK. Their influence can be heard in similar artists such as Curved Air, Caravan, Renaissance, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
