Art Ensemble of Chicago, Live at Mandel Hall (side C)

Across its four sides, Live at Mandel Hall captures the diversity of an Art Ensemble of Chicago concert.  Parts are frenetic and resemble 60s New York energy jazz, while other sections are quiet and introspective.  Moments reminiscent of Dixieland Jazz coexist with long sections of ensemble hand-drumming that sound like a field recording.  Everything is executed with technical skill and sincere passion for what is happening, and the members' creative personalities always come through.  Live at Mandel Hall is a competent, if unspectacular, recording of a 1972 concert, though it was not released until 1974.  The side breaks in the middle of the performance, which had few pauses, can be slightly jarring.  Unfortunately, the CD, which omits the jarring side breaks, also replaces the classic and timeless needlepoint cover art with a design that lacks personality.