It was one of those typically Montclair moments: The woman putting up the flyer on the bulletin board next to me at Sunrise Bagels was someone I'd been planning to write up for a weekend post. Her name is Grange Rutan, and her book is called Death of a Bepop Wife. She will be talking about her story--both the book and beyond--on Monday evening, November 23, at the main branch of the Montclair Public Library, at 7:00 pm. She tells an amazing story.
Rutan was once known as "lady Haig" -- when she was married to innovative jazz pianist Al Haig. Any relation to Alexander Haig? "All the Haig's are related," she exclaims. But this one--Al Haig, her ex-husband--had a particularly dark side. Rutan says Haig was abusive to her during their marriage, so she left. His third wife, Bonnie, mysteriously died. Haig was tried for murder but acquitted. Much of what Rutan saw and heard during the Bebop years and her time with Al Haig is described in this novel of the jazz age. It promises to be a compelling evening.
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Comments (2)
Fran, here's a tip:
Cambridge Bagels, across from Willie's State Street Diner. The 2nd best in Essex County!
Fresh daily Lox and Natural Cream cheese.
Outta sight !!
It's Be....BOP.