Side by Side

Side by Side is a 1994 studio album by the pianist Oscar Peterson and the violinist Itzhak Perlman. Peterson had not recorded or performed since 1990 as a stroke paralyzed his left side making him unable to play. This was Peterson's post stroke album.

In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow stated that the album is "more a loving tribute to the melodies... than a strong jazz date," and commented: "overall this is a so-so effort. It's better to acquire Oscar Peterson's earlier records."

The Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich described Perlman's playing as "mere ornament," but praised Peterson, noting that "everything [he] plays has a melodic appeal and harmonic sophistication that always has marked his best work. Further, the economy of his playing here shows just how much he can say with only a few notes."

The editors of The Absolute Sound gave the album their "What Were They Thinking?" award, and remarked: "I don't know who thought it would be a good idea to pair" the musicians, "but I wouldn't mind taking a hit off of whatever they were smoking at the time."