by William Ruhlmann Ars Nova was a rock/classical hybrid group formed in New York in 1967. Its later lineup was Wyatt Day (guitar), John Pierson (vocals, bass, trombone), Sam Brown (guitar), Jimmy Owens (trumpet, cornet), Art Koenig (bass), and Jo Hunt (drums). Ars Nova released its debut album in April 1968 and was profiled in the June 28, 1968, issue of Life magazine, hype that didn't help. The album didn't chart, the band reorganized, and there was a second album, Sunshine and Shadows, in June 1969.