Oscar Peterson & Itzhak Perlman - Side By Side (1994)

Classical violinist Itzhak Perlman is not a jazz improviser so this meeting with the Oscar Peterson Quartet is more a loving tribute to the melodies (ten veteran standards plus two Peterson originals) than a strong jazz date. While Perlman sticks closely to the themes, one's attention focuses much more on Peterson who had suffered a serious stroke a few years earlier and had been inactive ever since. Peterson sounds healthy in his supportive role and, although it is doubtful if he sweated much during this relaxed music, his apparent comeback is great news. Guitarist Herb Ellis has the most rewarding solos (although his spots are short) but overall this is a so-so effort. It's better to acquire Oscar Peterson's earlier records. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Tracks:
1. Dark Eyes (Traditional) 6:12
2. Stormy Weather (Harold Arlrn, Ted Koehler) 4:54
3. Georgia on My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell) 5:46
4. Blue Skies (Irving Berlin) 4:45
5. Misty (Erroll Garner) 5:41
6. Mack the Knife (Kurt Weill) 3:32
7. Nighttime (Oscar Peterson) 6:18
8. I Loves You Porgy (George Gershwin) 4:51
9. On the Trail (Ferde Grofé) 4:37
10. Yours is My Heart Alone (Franz Lehar) 5:29
11. Makin' Whoopee (Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson) 4:49
12. Why Think About Tomorrow? (Oscar Peterson) 5:22

Personnel:
Oscar Peterson (Piano)
Itzhak Perlman (Violin)
Herb Ellis (Guitar)
Ray Brown (Double Bass)
Grady Tate (Drums)