New Yorkers know Garland Jeffreys as a hometown hero.
A rock star since the mid 70s, Garland — who went to Syracuse University with Lou Reed, his buddy — became a legacy musician with his single, “Wild in the Streets” in 1977.
He went on to make a dozen or so albums and had an early 80s hit with “Matador” and a cover of “96 Tears.” His songs are about storytelling, art, and poetry set to his own brand of R&B.
“The King of In Between” is a spectacular documentary about his amazing career, and it’s one of the opening night films at DocNYC Nov 8th. It’s also available streaming via the website. The movie is named for one Garland’s later albums, a kind of mini masterpiece. The title is a reference to the singer’s successful struggle to straddle so many worlds of color and music.
There are lots of special guests in the film including Little Steven van Zandt (and possibly Bruce Springsteen, who loves Jeffreys). Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson are featured, as well as Harvey Keitel, another old friend. But it’s really all about Garland, an American and New York original whose infectious sense of humor is shown off as well his musical and theatrical chops.
Claire Jeffreys produced and directed. No one knows the subject better. She’s been married to him for decades. This film is so good it should be on American Masters. Hello WNET, PBS.
