ARS NOVA “Same”

ARS NOVA (New York City, NY)
“Ars Nova” 1968 (Elektra EKS-5002) [gatefold]

Classically training musicians living and working in New York City, in 1967 drummer Maury Baker, guitarist Wyatt Day, bass Bill Folwell, guitarist Giovanni Papalia, vocalist/horn player John Pierson and bassist John Raskin decided their future (and their fortunes) lay in rock and roll. Several months of intense rehearsals and a series of well received concerts led to a deal with Elektra Records. Teamed with Doors producer Paul Rothchild, the band’s 1968 self-titled aptly debut displayed the sextet’s virtuosity. Musically diverse, “ARS Nova” found the band equally at home with classical inspired ballads (the Baroque-influenced single “Pavan for My Love”), precursor Blood, Sweat and Tears horn arrangements (“General Clover Ends a War”) and prototype heavy rock (“And How Am I To Know”). With Day providing the majority of material (much of it co-written with either Pierson or non-band member Gregory Copeland), the group’s efforts to blend classical and rock elements was interesting, if occasionally a tad pretentious. Imagine a less bubble gummy version of The Left Banke and you’ll get a feel for the set. Personal favorite, the popish single “Fields of People.” In spite of decent reviews, including an extensive write-up in the June 1968 edition of Life, the set failed to sell.  Top Copy