Art Ensemble of Chicago “Live at Mandel Hall”

Art Ensemble of Chicago

Live at Mandel Hall

Delmark Records (US) 1976

DS-432/433 (2LP) gatefold sleeve.

sleeve : EX(SRW, wear on corner.)

media : EX/EX,

This is a double album released in 1976 by the American group Art Ensemble of Chicago, hailing from Chicago, known for their exploration of free/experimental jazz rooted in African traditional music. The ensemble consists of Roscoe Mitchell, Lester Bowie, Malachi Favors, Joseph Jarman, and Famoudou Don Moye. It features recordings from a live performance they held in 1972 at Mandel Hall within the University of Chicago.

With the addition of drummer/percussionist Don Moye, this album captures an energetic performance following their triumphant return from Paris. It's a precious work where dynamic developments and witty ideas collide chaotically, inviting the audience into a forceful world of music. The title of the jazz-funk-influenced final track, D2, is "Mata Kimasu" which can be imagined to be related to the initial Japanese release of this album in 1974. However, the Japanese release had mastering errors, whereas this US version has corrected them.

B1: Checkmate