With "Side By Side Sondheim Duos", bassist Tommy Cecil and pianist Bill Mays continue a great tradition of piano/bass duos which starts with Duke Ellington and Jimmy Blanton, and continues with the likes of Oscar Peterson and NHOP, Tommy Flanagan and George Mraz, and Bill Evans and Eddie Gomez. The freedom and intimacy it affords is exemplified on every track of the CD, from the exuberent "Comedy Tonight" to the wistful "Not While I'm Around"-whether trading melodies, or phrases, or nudging the dynamics during a solo. What adds to the interest with this recording is the repertoire. Stephen Sondheim's wonderful tunes are rarely, if ever heard in an instrumental jazz setting, because they are so deeply integrated into the shows from which they come. These performances present them in a different light, revealing nuances which might not otherwise be heard.