How is a CD read?

I have a particular live recorded CD I enjoy very much. On several tracks the left channel does not play the full music as the guitar is so faint it is barely detectable. Other tracks from the same CD are fine and balanced.

Originally I expected an issue with a component. After troubleshooting it is definitely the CDP. When switching the CDP's left and right cables to the preamp, the issue will fallow.

The fact other tracks on this particular CD and other CD's in various formats I have do no exhibit this issue, makes me think it is possibly the CD itself. Are CD's mastered in such a manner that is possible?