Southtowner
Gig Seeker Pro

Southtowner

Buffalo, New York, United States | SELF

Buffalo, New York, United States | SELF
Band Country Pop

Calendar

Music

Press


"Scott Celani in TV Pilot - The Buffalo News"

Scott Celani's mother once told him that Buffalo is one of the best-kept secrets.

The city's rich history of arts and entertainment is one of those great secrets Celani is now helping to tell. Celani, a Buffalo musician, plays the lead role in "Discs," a Buffalo-based television series that screened its pilot episode to a crowd of more than 150 viewers flowing into the aisles Thursday at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center on Delaware Avenue. "Discs" is not only set in Buffalo, but is also written, directed and produced by Buffalonians and features a cast of 100 percent homegrown talent. The pilot episode tells the story of a coffee shop that attracts a clash of races acting out in violence but who share a common love for music. Creator and director Norman Toy intends to maintain the show's Buffalo nature. "I don't want to see this being filmed on the streets of L.A.," said Toy, adding that the series has received interest from music-based television channels VH1 and MTV. "The objective is to see this stay in Buffalo, not somewhere where you're looking at palm trees." Toy, who was a writer for the television show "MacGyver," received inspiration from the mosaic of cultures in the Buffalo community. "I created this in the midst of hearing, seeing cultural tensions everywhere you look," Toy said. "The theme of it is that a neighborhood is transitioning. It is becoming multiracial. The wrong people are falling in love, the right people are falling in love, and as a result there is conflict. "But they all go to the same music store." In the show, that music store is a combination of Elmwood Avenue's own Spot Coffee and New World Record and hosts Friday night concerts featuring up-and-coming local bands, which are actual Buffalo musicians. Even the soundtrack is all-Buffalo. "Every episode ends with a live band Friday night, where the store owner sells CDs and coffee," Toy said. "Our goal is to keep every band a band that is coming out of Buffalo." The pilot episode of "Discs" closes with Last Conservative, a local rock band with Good Charamel Records. Toy's wife, Milly, of Bidwell Productions is the executive producer of the series, which is co-produced by Evan Pease and Peter Williams of local creative production company 3C Multimedia. Norman Toy and the rest of the "Discs" crew hope to begin filming the next two episodes, which are already on paper, as soon as they decide who will be producing it. Whether or not "Discs" is sold to a larger company or syndicated independently by Bidwell Products and 3C Multimedia, as it is now, Toy wants to make sure he has a say in the future of the series. "I want to keep a close connection with it," Toy said. "My ideal mix would be to have a partnership with a larger company." Still, Toy is appreciative of the talent he found right around the corner. "I feel lucky for the great actors, writers and technicians we had," Toy said. James J. Alfieri, co-founder of 3C Multimedia, also sees Buffalo as a center for the imagination. "There must be something about the water in Buffalo that spikes creativity," he said. "As some things become depressed around the area, people are more creative, and I think we have a shot and opportunity to make something pretty tremendous."
e-mail: lmariacher@buffnews.com
- June 22, 2007


"Best of WNY Magazine"

Wired For Nostalgia is the latest release from Scott Celani. A tireless road warrior, Celani can be found playing music almost every night where he has honed his songwriting and musical chops. For this CD he enlists his band (Matt Young/keyboards, Larz Rizzuto/drums, Brent Bodrug/keyboards, Drew Birston/bass, Marty Nightengale/guitars along with Dee Planche and Steve Caprio on bass. Cave Wilson and Mark Krunowski from The Filterkings also lend a hand in the studio. “Star” a big Cheap Trick styled rocker about the music biz kicks things off and is followed up by the sweet sounds of “I’ll Call You Back”. “Must Be Something More” features nice intertwined guitars from Celani and Nightengale on acoustic and electric respectively. The driving “Only Who We Are”, the bitter kiss off to a former lover “Biting My Tongue” and the icy coolness of “Missing” are outstanding tracks as well. An update of a previous Celani tune “Delhi (Electric 2006) and a cover of The Buggles “Video Killed The Radio Star” along with a holiday track “Christmas by the Lake” are included here also. For more on Scott Celani and his new release Wired For Nostalgia go to www.scottcelani.com.
- June 15, 2007


"Special Effects Magazine"

Checking Out the Tunes & Other Stuff in Ellicottville

Well here we are at the beginning of June. Our area is green and warming. It¹s hard to believe about six weeks ago we had snow. Anyway the music is great, however, my golf keeps getting worse.

Now about the music, as usual last Friday was quiet. However Saturday wasn¹t. It started at Balloons with "The Scott Celani Band". We were really treated to a special concert by Scott & Company. Most of the groups that play around here are what I call "Cover Bands". That is most of the music they do was written by other artists. The majority of Scott¹s music is his own. To describe his show as excellent would be an understatement. A lot of my enthusiasm comes from the fact I like his type of music. This band has what I call a "Paul Simon" sound. As usual Matt Young and Larz Rizzuto were with Scott. However Jack Prybylski of "The Jack Prybylski Jazz Band" and Nik Georgakis were also there adding a sax and bass to the already wonderful sound. Thanks go to M K 2, Tina and the rest of The Balloons Beautiful People for a fun evening.
- June 1, 2007


"Ink 19 Magazine"

Let's get it out of the way: singer/songwriter Scott Celani is not John Mayer. Nor is he trying to be Mayer. Unfortunately, every young male with an acoustic guitar and a sensitive voice is going to be compared to Mayer, as if he had invented the genre. Although not as well known, Celani is becoming an established figure on Buffalo, NY's music scene.
Frankly, Celani has a more masculine vocal style; there's lung power underneath the hood, especially on "Long Road to Nowhere," wherein his vocals capture the rising emotions of the chorus. Some of the tracks on the CD find Celani nursing a broken heart; however, the lyrics find him refusing to succumb to depression. Celani’s soaring voice references the '70s, back in the days when male singers are encouraged to rip it up and not reign it in.
“Smile While You’re Crying” and “In Spite of Me” are even better with their singalong choruses and sharp production. This album doesn't sound like an independent release, which may cause problems acquiring airplay on college radio because Celani is obviously aiming for a larger audience here. The sunny and romantic title track moves at a brisk pace and brings Celani closer to '80s AOR territory than the Triple A focus of Mayer and his imitators.
Mayer who?

- August 2005


"Keith Hannaleck: www.muzikreviews.com, www.evolvingartist.com, www.music-sites.net, www.ubomag.com, www.zongoo.com, www.buzzle.com"

I knew after I heard Scott Celani’s EP “Them Apples” last year that he was just warming up, what was to come would be even better. A new album has arrived, it’s called “Saturday”, and it is nothing but energetic bursts of shining rock-pop that will make you smile, give you a chill, and prompt you to dance across the floor.

Right from the opening track “Long Road To Nowhere” straight through to the end, you can tell Celani has stepped it up a notch on this album. His voice is incredibly clear and melodic, while the musicianship is stellar. His voice in particular, which serves him well as an instrument in and of itself, is what impresses me the most. He sings strongly with warmth, assurance, and a melodic pop sensibility that so many artists are lacking today. His music is primarily acoustic with a mixture of consistently electrifying instrumentation featuring a blend of keyboards, guitars, a tight rhythm section, and beautifully layered and harmonious background vocals.

Yes, I think Scott Celani has found the magic that will attract the right ears that could catapult his career soon. Perhaps now a good label will sign him and full-length album will be forthcoming. Hey, if you are good enough to share the same stage with Vertical Horizon and legends such as Eddie Money, you are a talent recognized by some of the best in the business.

I was disappointed that all of this wonderful music had to end so quickly, in a good way. The entire CD comes in just over 23 minutes, which actually constitutes as an EP. Besides the fact that this is great music, that is probably why I keep listening to it over and over! I really hope the next time Celani goes into the recording studio he will produce a solid hour of music. I am most certain it will be fantastic, just as everything I have heard from him thus far has been.
- April 25, 2004


"Shotgun Reviews"

"Saturday Night's Alright"

By Kirby Raine

The lines between what is considered an independent release and a major-label product can sometimes be blurred. Buffalo, NY singer/songwriter Scott Celani’s Saturday album has no markings of Warner Bros. or Columbia yet it shouldn’t be filed with Belle & Sebastian, either.

With record companies no longer having the relevance they used to and technology becoming more accessible to unsigned musicians, we have aberrations like Celani who sounds like he is on a major label. And, seriously, despite my overall lack of respect towards the corporate landscape, there is nothing wrong with a solid, mainstream rock & roll record. Which is exactly what Saturday is.

Reminiscent of acoustic-based rockers such as John Mayer and Toad the Wet Sprocket, Celani is a straightforward storyteller with little interest in irony or sonic innovation. Saturday is an apt name as the CD has the breezy, carefree feel of a weekend getaway, especially the romantic and highly catchy title track. Slick production gives the album a radio-friendly sheen that adds to the air of comfort.

Like others working within this genre, Celani is the sensitive type, sharing his sorrow with no reservations but the choruses are often emotionally winning. Considering that much of what is considered alternative rock these days are merely shapeless grooves with high-school haiku lyrics, it is refreshing to hear clear and honest songs for a change. Don’t expect to hear anything new on Saturday; just think of it as a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chip cookies, creating a sense of familiarity that is pleasing and leaves you yearning for more.

- April 1, 2005


"ReviewCentre.com - Manchester, UK"

Scott Celani is definitely in the classic-rock mold. No, it's not that his music reflects the hippie stylings of late '60s-early '70s AOR fodder. The comparison is made because of the clarity and straightforward nature of his words, the ready-ready warmth of his vocals, and the poppy crunch of his guitars. The first five tracks on this CD are aching to be singles, with "Long Road to Nowhere," "Tell Me It's Over," and the title tune having the strongest appeal. I'd link Celani with groups such as Matchbox 20 and Hootie & the Blowfish, only his lyrics are far superior, taking poetic turns. I wish the record were longer, though, but consider it a tight EP. No filler here, man. Check it out at http://www.scottcelani.com.

http://www.reviewcentre.com/review151569.html


- March 23, 2005


"Domaincleveland.com"

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. For more info check out http://www.scottcelani.com/www.scottcelani.com



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.



June 24, 2004


Cutting Edge Magazine
http://www.thecutting-edge.net/


SCOTT CELANI
Saturday
Independent Release


Usually when we get sent an independent release that contains the words "singer/songwriter" we whence a bit. The garage is full of such CDs. That's not to say they're all crap, but 80% come damn close. When we heard from New York native Scott Celani we were a bit leery at first but after several back-to-back sessions with Saturday we can boldly go on record as saying, "for a singer/songwriter this one kicks ass."

Whether it's Celani's '70s style of writing, his strong use of vintage keyboard/piano/organ or his ability to capture soulful, melodies, Saturday harkens back to a time where songs lasted. Falling somewhere between Rupert Holmes in "Long Road To Nowhere", the Doobies in funky "Saturday" and Jimmy Buffett in "Dalhi," Celani builds on his backbeats then fully delivers during the chorus.

As a guitarist he moves with ease through mid-tempo rockers "In Spite Of Me" and the drum-heavy "Tell Me It's Over". The piano-based ballad "Smile While You're Crying" reaches out to mid-'80s John Waite while the stripped down "Stand Up" makes the most out of an acoustic framework. The record benefits from a tight production courtesy of Brent Bodrug (Alanis Morissette) and puts Celani's smooth tenor up front where it belongs.

Website: www.scottcelani.com.

June 23 , 2004


The Lewiston-Porter Sentinel/Wheatfield Tribune


Celani shows range with 'Saturday'
by Joshua Maloni


Orchard Park's Scott Celani is one of the most versatile singers in Western New York. On the heels of his 2002 release "Them Apples," I caught him performing an assortment of songs. He first rocked the Ratt at Niagara University, doing an acoustic set of cover material ranging from soft rock to classic rock, new wave and current favorites with longtime collaborator Andy Mac. What followed was a set of edgier, big-vocal originals. Later that winter, he contributed to a Rolling Stones tribute at Nietzsche's. Today, he's back with a new album, "Saturday," which feels a bit like Bon Jovi, but has country and Middle Eastern flares to it.

Celani's seco - October 8, 2004


"Crossover Magazine - Frohburg, Germany"

Würden Bon Jovi heute noch aktuell sein, würden sie solche Musik machen. (Gott bewahre! - Anm. des immer noch "Keep The Faith" liebenden rls) Die Stimme von Scott Celani erinnert zumindest stark an den Sänger Jon Bongiovi. Aber das tut der Sache keinen Abbruch. Im Gegenteil.

Der Amerikaner Scott Celani bietet seinen Hörern auf dem Album "Saturday" sieben Titel, welche unterschiedlicher kaum sein könnten. Er beginnt mit "Long Road To Nowhere", ist stimmig und rockig, wenngleich auch ein bisschen zu sehr wie Nickelback, aber in Nordamerika liebt man halt Rockhymnen.

Die vier darauffolgenden Titel sind kurze Rocksongs, wenngleich die sonst übliche E-Gitarre gegen eine Akustikgitarre eingetauscht wurde, ideal zum Aufstehen, Autofahren, Kochen oder was man auch immer mit netten Rocksongs zu tun gedenkt.

"Saturday" ist der Ohrwurm des Albums, durchaus Radio-tauglich "Smile While You're Crying" dürfte hingegen für deutsche Ohren gewöhnungsbedürftig sein, zu sehr sind die Worte schmerzvoll in die Länge gezogen. "In Spite Of Me" ähnelt zu sehr "Tell Me It's Over". Das Album wird im Verlauf der Titel immer besser, wenngleich der Sänger sich nicht wirklich für eine Richtung entscheiden kann. Die Stärken Scott Celanis sind eindeutig die sparsamer arrangierten Titel, allen voran "Delhi", welches mit Perkussion und einer Gitarre auskommt und doch der schönste von allen. denn bei diesem Titel überzeugt Scott Celani, zeigt, dass er mehr kann als Mainstream-Rock made in U.S.A.

Nach 25 Minuten endet die Platte und kann nur bedingt überzeugen. Wie gesagt, wunderbar zu allen Tätigkeiten, die man mit Musik untermalen möchte, aber kein Durchbruch in der Musikgeschichte, falls dieser Anspruch heute überhaupt noch geltend gemacht werden kann. Die sieben Songs sind nett gemachte Lieder, die viel versprechen und auf eine weitere Platte des Sängers neugierig machen, aber nur, wenn er sich für sich selbst entscheidet und nicht nur bereits bekanntes wiedergibt.

- December 2004


"Shotgun Reviews"

"Saturday Night's Alright"

By Kirby Raine

The lines between what is considered an independent release and a major-label product can sometimes be blurred. Buffalo, NY singer/songwriter Scott Celani’s Saturday album has no markings of Warner Bros. or Columbia yet it shouldn’t be filed with Belle & Sebastian, either.

With record companies no longer having the relevance they used to and technology becoming more accessible to unsigned musicians, we have aberrations like Celani who sounds like he is on a major label. And, seriously, despite my overall lack of respect towards the corporate landscape, there is nothing wrong with a solid, mainstream rock & roll record. Which is exactly what Saturday is.

Reminiscent of acoustic-based rockers such as John Mayer and Toad the Wet Sprocket, Celani is a straightforward storyteller with little interest in irony or sonic innovation. Saturday is an apt name as the CD has the breezy, carefree feel of a weekend getaway, especially the romantic and highly catchy title track. Slick production gives the album a radio-friendly sheen that adds to the air of comfort.

Like others working within this genre, Celani is the sensitive type, sharing his sorrow with no reservations but the choruses are often emotionally winning. Considering that much of what is considered alternative rock these days are merely shapeless grooves with high-school haiku lyrics, it is refreshing to hear clear and honest songs for a change. Don’t expect to hear anything new on Saturday; just think of it as a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chip cookies, creating a sense of familiarity that is pleasing and leaves you yearning for more.

- April 1, 2005


"Whisperin' and Hollerin' - UK"

I don't review singles often; in fact, I haven't written about one in years. But when you hear a pop song as infectious as "Saturday," you are left with no choice but to sing its praises.

Singer/songwriter SCOTT CELANI has crafted a sunny jewel, a glowing slice of summer in the city good vibrations with toe-tapping jangling guitar and warm vocals. This is the kind of melodic rock that alternative radio stations used to spin before all the angst settled in and booted out Crowded House and Squeeze.

Celani's voice is somewhere between Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins and Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket; it soars with a whispered fragility that makes you hum every syllable. People still make music like this? Of course they do. Check out more from Celani at http://www.scottcelani.com. - February 14, 2005


"Whisperin' and Hollerin' - UK"

I don't review singles often; in fact, I haven't written about one in years. But when you hear a pop song as infectious as "Saturday," you are left with no choice but to sing its praises.

Singer/songwriter SCOTT CELANI has crafted a sunny jewel, a glowing slice of summer in the city good vibrations with toe-tapping jangling guitar and warm vocals. This is the kind of melodic rock that alternative radio stations used to spin before all the angst settled in and booted out Crowded House and Squeeze.

Celani's voice is somewhere between Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins and Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket; it soars with a whispered fragility that makes you hum every syllable. People still make music like this? Of course they do. Check out more from Celani at http://www.scottcelani.com. - February 14, 2005


Discography

Debut EP - Released September 2013

Photos

Bio

Southtowner is a brand new country project out of Upstate New York that is hitting the ground running. Incorporating heartfelt, storytelling lyrics into a modern country sound combined with a classic southern rock influence, Southtowner is bringing their show to colleges, festivals and club venues all over the U.S. Members of the group have shared the stage with the likes of Darius Rucker, Josh Gracin, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dickey Betts, The Marshall Tucker Band and many more. Southtowner’s debut release is due out in September 2013.