Cape Cod Jazz: From Colombo to the Columns

The first notes of jazz hit Cape Cod in the very early days of the genre. Bournehurst-on-the-Canal hosted top bands, and emerging swing era dancers packed the hall. Cape Cod's "First Lady of Jazz," Marie Marcus, was a child prodigy in Boston and found some of her most important instruction in the art of stride piano during lessons with great pianist Fats Waller in New York. At the very tip of the Cape, the Atlantic House in Provincetown showcased performances from some of the biggest names like Gerry Mulligan, Billie Holiday and Stan Getz. Author John Basile details the fascinating history and amazing musicians that made Cape Cod a music destination.

John Basile is known on Cape Cod as the longtime editor of the Register newspaper. Before turning to the newspaper field, he was--for more than a decade--a radio newscaster, first on WOCB and later on WQRC on Cape Cod, where he worked alongside Dick Golden, host of the popular Nightlights program. First as a member of the Cape Cod Jazz Society and later as its president (succeeding the legendary Marie Marcus), John helped to present many jazz parties and concerts. Later, as a member of the board of directors of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, he helped to organize jazz-related events including concerts and art exhibitions. This is his second book. His first, Legendary Locals of Yarmouth, was published by Arcadia Publishing in 2014.