What is C’est Tout?
I went with my wife, Rosemary and some friends last Saturday night to see James and Moore at the C’est Tout Bistro 2600 Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood, Ohio. This was the Gable’s second trip to this venue and I’ll have to say it’s a unique experience. Chef/Proprietor Dominique Fortin says “You know, the thing that we do here is a French bistro, good food, fresh food at the right price.” It truly has the ambience of a French bistro, a very meticulous setting for your dining pleasure. To say the food is outstanding is a gross understatement; that combined with the service and the entertainment (the reason I came) made our two evenings something way above our normal life style. I’ll be honest, two retirees living on a fixed income budget makes me very apprehensive about dining in a fancy restaurant but after two trips I found their prices affordable and when you consider the quality of their cuisine, very affordable. You might want to check out their website.
Now lets get back to the reason for the trip, you know the Jazz Advocate doesn’t like to pay the fare for a good 
meal without some good entertainment. We’ve been following James & Moore for a number of years and I’ve seen Lou James for many years before they formed their duo. Lou is a superb musician who can do magical things on that state of the art keyboard he plays. His song list is virtually unlimited. How many guys do you know who can play Tin Roof Blues, Honky Tonk and just about all of the Great American Songbook? As to the Moore part ot the duo; Pamela especially loves the music of the 30’s and 40’s, the Billie Holiday, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald tunes. The song’s that tell the stories of life and this young lady has the voice to deliver that kind of music. Pamela says “just 6 years ago I started to live out my dream to be a Singer” and I for one am glad she did.
In summary, a great time was had last Saturday by our group of friends. Great food, great service (Steve the bartender was really something) and last but not least, great entertainment. Entertainment that I feel is the perfect fit for a French bistro style venue. I know the economy is tough and James and Moore will be completing their ten month run this Saturday August 31st. I’m thinking about one more trip to France this coming weekend.
Jazz Calendar
Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:
Today Wednesday, August 28 – The Sound Body Jazz Orchestra is at Greenhills Commons in Cincinnati and the David Murray Band with Macy Gray is at ShadowboxLive in Columbus.
Thursday August 29 – The Kim Kelly Orchestra plays RiverScape in Dayton and our friend Jeff Hufnagle, will be performing one song!
Friday August 30 – The Shawn Stanley Trio plays every Friday at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and there’s a Friday Night Jazz Show at the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in Cincinnati.
Saturday August 31 – James & Moore is at the C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood, OH and Randy Fankell’s Jazz Militia is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton.
Sunday September 1 – There is a new Sunday Night Jam w/ Deron Bell at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Jazz Central Jam continues both in Dayton.
Monday September 2 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.
Tuesday September 3 – A Brian Cashwell faculty recital with John Taylor and Chris Berg is at Wright State University’s Schuster Hall in Fairborn, OH.
Wednesday September 4 – The Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati presents Noah Wotherspoon followed by their long running Blue Wisp Big Band.
Thursday September 5 – The Jazz Central Big Band returns to Jazz Central in Dayton and Rick Brunetto Big Band is at The 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Columbus.
Friday September 6 – Jazz Violinist, Jack Shallat is Petrelli’s Italian Restaurante in Mason, OH and Matt Adams is at Dick’s Den in Columbus.
Saturday September 7 – The Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration is at the Chatterbox Jazz Club in Indianapolis, IN and the John Von Ohlen Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.
Sunday September 8 – The Jazz Jam Session with Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Phil DeGreg Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.
Monday September 9 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.
Tuesday September 10 – Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati.
More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com
