Saturday Matinee: Ars Longa Vita Brevis (Symphony for Group and Orchestra) by The Nice

Progressive Epics. Folky Meditations. Extended Jazz Improvisations. Some songs are just long, y'know? So when better to sit down and take it all in than on a Saturday with your beverage of choice in hand?

Today's Matinee: "Symphony for Group and Orchestra" comprises Side 2 of Ars Longa Vita Brevis by The Nice. A clear preview of the sort of excess that people would come to associate with Progressive Rock, this track features avant-garde improvisations and extended drum soloing in the first half of the track, before settling into the classically-influenced keyboard cacophony that would become Keith Emerson's trademark. It's loud, long, wild, and ingenious fun.