Dean Poling
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
The most striking thing about South Georgia songwriter/musician Brian Buffington’s latest album, “Anchors Aweigh,” isn’t him.
It’s the voice of his wife, Brooke Buffington.
She has a voice like morning sunshine through a stained-glass window, simultaneously bright but rich with expressive color. An apt comparison, too, given the spiritual nature of her lyrics.
Another surprise. Brian Buffington is known locally as a songwriter who can pen a lyric about almost any subject or situation. He wrote two songs for “Anchors Aweigh.” Brooke wrote the other four.
As the group Rocketships & Tangerines, the Buffingtons and percussionist Rusty Townsen create an easy-going album in “Anchors Aweigh,” a CD that can either let you drift away on a mellow vibe, or will steer you on a soulful voyage.
It all depends on the attitude you bring to this music.
The Times recently conducted an e-mail interview with the Buffingtons.
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: What inspired the group name?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “Rocketships & Tangerines. The name comes from track No. 6 on our debut CD, also entitled ‘Rocketships & Tangerines.’ It’s a love song I wrote for Brooke while we were dating. We’ve been married for over seven years. It's a fun and simple song.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: Brian, many folks know you in town as a musician, but I wasn’t aware of your wife’s musical abilities. She has a beautiful voice. Is this the first time the two of you have worked together on a project?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “Well, thank you! This is her very first project. She did amazing in the studio. Especially being newly pregnant. We’re expecting a baby girl around Christmas!”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: Brooke, how was it working with your husband on this CD?
BROOKE BUFFINGTON: “It was interesting ... especially being the first time I’ve been in the studio. It was also the first time Brian ever had to record harmonies. I had to leave the room multiple times laughing. It was a little, a lot, different than his usual Soulpatches/Soulpatches and the Second Bananas stuff. We had to compromise on numerous occasions. Thank the Lord for Rusty Townsen, percussionist. He was the sane one.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: Brian, you’re known for your prolific songwriting talents. Did you write the songs on “Anchors Aweigh” or did the two of you write them together?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “Actually, I only wrote two of the tracks, ‘Sellout’ and ‘Rocketships & Tangerines.’ I helped write a bridge or two on some of Brooke’s songs. I really wanted this project to be about Brooke and her experiences. We were both super pleased with how the six tracks work together.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: Are you two performing together as this group? Also, any upcoming dates involving the CD, shows, etc.?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “We actually play with a third member, Rusty Townsen. He’s actually a Second Banana. We have a huge CD Release Bash that will take place on Sept. 24 at The Loft, above City Market in Downtown Valdosta. It will start at 7 p.m. with other local talents, Lindsey Radcliff (Colgate Country Showdown Finalist) and Hillary Smit, then closing with R&T. It’s a female-fronted night of fun!
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: What happened to Soul Patches and the Second Bananas?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “We’re still around, just not playing shows. Who knows ... there could be another album in the making. Story songs have always been one of my favorite venues of expression. Thinking about recording an album full of them ...
VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: Where can people find the CD? How much, etc.?
BRIAN BUFFINGTON: “The quickest and easiest way to get our music is to purchase our album, ‘Anchors Aweigh,’ through iTunes or AmazonMP3. It’s only $6 if you buy it that way. For those of you who still like to hold something (me), we have an awesome-looking CD that was designed by Angie Faber of Valdosta. You can pick up a copy in Valdosta at City Market, The Potters House, and live shows. The physical CD is $8. We want everyone to join our Facebook page, which is our official website — facebook.com/rocketshipsandtangerines. There you will find an awesome music video for our first single, ‘Dear Darla.’ It was shot and produced by Will DeWitt. The video was shot in Downtown Valdosta. You may even see some people you know.”
