SCOTT CELANI REVIEWS: Student Activities Journal Article October 8, 2004 www.domaincleveland.com ARTIST NAME: Scott Celani CD TITLE: Saturday by Dougless Esper With a strong sense of when pop can meet folk-rock and still remain credible and enjoyable, Scott Celani, has released his latest disc ?SATURDAY?. Often in the past Acoustic rock or folk rock has tried to morph itself into crossover pop-rock with mixed results, but Mr. Celani and friends have produced a collection with real emotion delivered in pop format. Accompanied, again, with co-writer/producer Brent Bodrug (B-GROUP MUSIC) Scott ?s effort is slick, polished, and yet still raw and real. A driving piano, and pleading vocals carry ?In Spite Of Me? as we ponder the choices we?ve made in life. ?Searching threw the ashes for a glimmer of light, to take away the darkness of a terrible night, can you find a way?? Asks, Scott, on Stand Up an interesting song with country leanings. Scott seems to focus on seasons, times, and nature, and use those to relate how He?s feeling and what was important to him at those important moments. Searching for answers, reflecting on life, and above it all Scott says? I want to see you smile, Give your Existence a break for a while?. This EP has a nice flow to it, and leaves you wanting more material. The good news is though you can always press repeat. Not your typical coffee-house folk-pop-rock this CD has direction and helps tell a cohesive story. Subtle uses of keys and programming creates an atmospheric backdrop to flesh out an already mature sound. I am unsure if the full band is a permanent part of his sound now, but I can say it?s a winning combo. If you like Vertical Horizon, Our Lady Peace, Guster, Jump Little Children, or other modern pop-rock you should pick up this disc. July 19, 2004 >www.bestofwny.com SCOTT CELANI 'Saturday' By Bob Silvestri Scott Celani continues to broaden his fan base and musical aspirations on his new release titled Saturday. The seven song CD features Celani on guitar and vocals along with Geno McManus on lead guitars, Brent Bodrug on keyboards, Drew Birston on bass, Adrian Passarelli on drums, Jeff Schaller on drums and percussion and Diana Planche on background vocals. The songs have an adult/alternative feel akin to BNL or even Blue Rodeo but retain their edge with McManus' sharp guitar parts. The percussive sound and slide guitar on "Stand Up" shows a different side to Celani's writing style. "Delhi" also follows a percussion driven melody. The title track "Saturday" and "Tell Me It's Over" are catchy summer type songs while "In Spite Of Me" and "Smile When You're Crying" was my tracks of choice. "Long Road To Nowhere" rounds out the disc. For more information about Scott Celani and his new release Saturday check out www.celani-saturday.com or tour dates and news www.scottcelani.com. May 24, 2004 Night-Life Magazine CD Review: Scott Celani - "Saturday" By Raphael Tombasco The weekend has always been a good time to take a break from the onslaught of work faced during the normal week. This sense of relaxation and harmony make "Saturday" the perfect title to Scott Celani's more subdued and mellow second musical offering. The first track, "Long Road to Nowhere", sets the album off with a catchy upbeat pop tune reminiscent of many of today's popular songwriters such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews. The major difference lies in Celani's soft crooning. His voice blends perfectly with the tight instrumentation displayed by himself and the rest of his band, consisting of keyboardist Brent Bodrug, drummer Adrian Passarelli, bassist Drew Birston, guitarist Geno McManus and percussionist Jeff Schaller. Each player has a chemistry which turns what could easily be run-of-the-mill pop songs into something more unique. From the melody of the vocal harmonies to the simple beat of a bongo drum, the musicians maintain a good vibe throughout the album. Continuing on the from the title track "Saturday" to the more experimental and equally claiming tracks, "Stand Up" and "Delhi", this release promises to deliver a talented singer/songwriter to a musical world that has become increasingly devoid of feeling and artistry. Every song is different, touching on various styles of music from country to techno; styles that many artists are afraid to mix. Scott Celani's skill and versatility as a musician are shown throughout "Saturday", creating a mellow and rewarding mix of music that manages to transcend most of today's mundane pop. June 18, 2003 CD Review: Scott Celani - "Them Apples" By Stacy Board The Muse's Muse www.musesmuse.com "Even though this is a 6-song kind of EP CD, it's a strong CD. The second track "Where Did You Come From" is a great power pop groove and hook. It's a pretty rocking and very strong song. The sixth and last song on the CD, "Doing Fine", is the other stand out song in my opinion. It's got some really nice surprises in the arrangement and some great harmony work. Brent Bodrug deserves some credit for his fine production and arrangements. Scott writes all lyrics but for some help on "Nameless". He does have full music credit on "One More Day", but all others have at least one other person assigned writing credit, including Brent Bodrug. I think the mix of writers is the reason for the varied sound that he achieves from song to song. I think "Them Apples" is a good CD and would like to hear a longer CD from Scott Celani. As an added bonus there's a blooper track at the end that contains stuff the parental advisory board will hopefully miss." April 16, 2003 Review: Scott Celani - Them Apples (B-Group Music) by Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck Musicdish.com "Scott Celani says loud it and proud on "Them Apples," a new six song EP just bursting at the seams with rocking guitars and fiery vocals. Celani rips his way through each track pouring every bit of him into each word and note. This is one of those CDs that you will listen to once and say "Umm, pretty good," then again and say "That was real good, I think I will listen again." By the third time you are pissed off it is not a full-length album. No problem, I know the next time out we will see a lot more of the same from this talented young man. I really liked the words to "Just Like Me," it has a little something that we all can relate to- "Are you lonely just like me? Do you wonder where you're supposed to be?" It is like being in a room with a 100 or more people and feeling alone. I can relate because I have been there and done that. The music then brings all the energy of the lyrics into a focus, making it both stirring and provocative. Celani is funny too; at the end of the CD, he is making his way through a song and he gets frustrated then stops, cusses and hollers, then ends up laughing at himself and telling the guy behind the glass that he is an asshole as he is chuckling. That is the kind of stuff that I am sure goes on regularly, we just never hear it. I thought it was a nice touch and a great way to end an album. This guy has loads of talent and he uses it well. I really look forward to hearing more soon! This is great rock music, damned straight!" April 9, 2003 CONCERT REVIEW Seven Day Faith / Scott Celani / Skyjuice Sphere Entertainment Complex by Bob Silvestri Bestofwny.com "Next up was Scott Celani and his band, playing songs from his latest release “Them Apples”. His band, guitarist Jay Neubauer (That 80’s Hair Band), drummer Adrian Passarelli (Nelly Furtado) and bassist Steve Caprio (Mr. Marbles), rocked out on the tracks “Where Did You Come From”, “Doing Fine”, a great version of “Iceman”, “One More Day” which Celani dedicated to those who have loved ones in the Middle East, and “Nameless” among others. Celani is about to hit the road for a tour of the Southeast and beyond. Let’s wish him the best of luck." March 28, 2003 CD/Concert Review By Hank Dubey Special Effects Magazine "Speaking of liking, if you were at Balloon's last Saturday between 5pm and 9pm, you would have been liking the music being offered by Scott Celani. I enjoyed it so much I took one of Scott's CDs (entitled "Them Apples") home with me, and have since listened to it several times. At one point, I was reminded of Bon Jovi; while at another, I was thinking psychedelic Beatles… good rhythms, catchy lyrics, nice melodies and strong vocals. Next time Scott's in town, pick up one of his CDs… well worth your investment, as I can definitely see star potential in his sound. Now, I won't spoil the surprise for you, but there are six original songs listed on the CD cover; however, there's a seventh track on the CD itself. Interesting ending." Scott Celani: Homegrown talent By Joshua Maloni Lewiston-Porter Sentinel September 21, 2002 Orchard Park native Scott Celani may be the only person in Western New York who didn't immediately realize his musical talent. "It took me a long time to see that I could really do this ? and to realize that I had the ability," the former front man of Rufus Maneuvers said after his successful CD release party at the Tralf in Buffalo, a gathering of more than 500 people in support of his new self-titled band and first solo release entitled "Them Apples." Celani had worked with a vocal coach in Atlanta whose know-how had helped polish the chops of big name singers including Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Edwin McCain and Ed Roland from Collective Soul. "I had been working with her and making some big improvements, vocally, and I remember one time I asked her, 'Do you think I should be doing this?' And she said, 'Well, you wouldn't we working with me if you couldn't,'" he said. "It kinda' made me realize that I could." Cut to the present, and Celani's current work has drawn rave reviews from everyone from Ryan Patrick, host of "Next Wave" on 103.3 The Edge (which has featured Celani tunes), to his recent opening acts Bittersweet and More than Me, to the packed crowd at the Tralf who danced and partied long into his set. "Everything that I've heard on the street (about Celani's CD) is that it's awesome," said Bill Hedrick, general manager of local independent music promoter Buffalo Trax. "Scott's a solid entertainer. I've seen his acoustic show ? he does a solid job." Celani's six-track CD is a blend of well-crafted, melodic-yet-edgy pop songs, which combine the artist's talents well with those of his potent bandmates. "It's definitely the best material I've ever done, and I'm really, really proud of it," Celani said. "It's very modern, very current."