Henry Mancini: "Mancini Concert"

Released in 1971,

this Mancini LP

reveals how much Mancini often tried

to stay in tune with popular musical expressions.

Here, besides a medley tribute to Simon & Garfunkel,

he also includes the overture from The Who's rock opera "Tommy"

and a medley of tunes from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's

"Jesus Christ Superstar."

Simon & Garfunkel had just broken up in 1970

after the release of their last album together:

"Bridge Over Troubled Water"

"Tommy"

was released less than two years previously

and had not yet made its way

to stage or film.

"Jesus Christ Superstar"

had been released

as a concept album

less than a year previously

and was months

away from its opening

on Broadway.

Soundtrack: "Jesus Christ Superstar"

This mega-hit for Andrew Lloyd Weber was actually his third collaboration with Tim Rice.

Somewhat controversial but musically brilliant retelling of the last week of Jesus Christ.

Andrew Lloyd Weber of course went on to give us "Evita," "Cats," and "The Phantom of the Opera," among others such as "Starlight Express," "Aspects of Love," and "Cricket."

This LP went to a collector in Nebraska.

No. Really.