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Fawn Man's Music Aids Others By
Rex Rutkoski
"Being able to look in the eyes of the audience during a song, I can feel the connection and the emotions get transmitted back and forth," Buckley said. He is the creator, writer, frontman, leader and namesake of the rock band James. "Our concept is shared by my fellow players, generally speaking, and has captured the interest of a certain fan base which has similar feelings and beliefs. The intent was to take fundamental values, put them to song in a way they could connect with others and move them to think a bit more about their lives," he said. "It is built around this foundation with seasoned players that have formed a strong chemistry and full understanding of the songs and the messages they send." Buckley says he probably always has been a good listener himself. In the 1970s he drove a cab in Pittsburgh for eight years. "I became quite good at listening," he said. "Many of the songs that I had written back then were influenced by people I met and some personal experiences. While initially writing more 'personal experience' songs, I gradually found a way to listen and observe even more attentively and would come across someone whose tale would spawn a song." The latest example is his song "Natalie," the catalyst of which was the daughter of a good friend who came to a party with her dad. "I was so touched by her spirit, enthusiasm and innocence that I began thinking about how each of us has, to varying degrees, lost some layers of each of those qualities from our childhood, and how great it would be to regain some of that as we get older, when we really need it," Buckley said. As he learned more about her, he realized how powerful an example this girl could be for others. "She had some very difficult obstacles to overcome as a child and growing up among peers that sometimes were not very understanding can be trying for any child," he said. "She faced those obstacles bravely and persevered as she proved to herself and others that she would not let those hurdles keep her from happiness and accomplishment." Buckley believes that each of us has a story to tell about our lives. "When I hear these stories, I realize that so many of us have had similar experiences," he said. "We all have some tough times, but through good friends and family we can overcome and be there for the other guy when it's their time." Buckley and James are among many Alle-Kiski musicians who are regularly there for "the other guy," among the first to say "yes" when a benefit show is needed to help someone. That most recently was seen last fall in the flood benefit concerts that Buckley helped organize for local residents devastated by the high water in September. Since last year, Buckley and James have staged benefits for a cancer victim, the Children's Home of Pittsburgh, the battle against Lupus, The Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, Conductive Education and they have one planned for April 16 to benefit Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School, Natrona Heights, Harrison. "To be able to take a talent that God gave me and turn it into doing something good is one of the reasons why I returned to music," Buckley says. "When you get people together in this way, we all feel the strength and power we have collectively and you leave feeling good about yourself and others see the good that can be done. "The heart leads and the compassion follows. "I believe that life is too short and we need to care about each other more and be there for each other."
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