On New Year’s Day, New York-based writer Nicholas Christopher is coming out with his sixth novel, “Tiger Rag.” He will appear at BookCourt on January 3 to celebrate the release of the book, which is inspired by the true story of legendary jazz trumpeter Buddy Bolden. While Bolden’s groundbreaking recordings died along with him, it has been rumored that the artist recorded at least one phonograph cylinder. In present day Miami, as a fictional mother and daughter struggle to mend their own broken family, they discover that they are tied to a larger history involving the search for Buddy Bolden’s mysterious cylinder. “Tiger Rag” is at once a compelling novel and a glimpse into a historical mystery; Christopher seamlessly weaves Bolden’s tragic life into a present day story, infusing a slice of musical history into the lives of modern day characters.
Nicholas Christopher is the author of five novels, eight volumes of poetry, and a book on film noir. His reading at BookCourt will begin at 7pm on Thursday, January 3, and will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. BookCourt is located at 163 Court St. in Cobble Hill.