Magnolia
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
An effort that draws inspiration from his Texas roots, Wesley Hanna brings many guests to these heartfelt and sincere 11 tracks.
“Gulf Prairie Blues” opens with some cozy twang, as Hanna’s warm voice guides Cody Braun’s graceful fiddle, and “Life In Three Quarter Time” follows with a breezy mood via Pat Manske’s light drums and Courtney Patton’s harmony vocals.
The title track lands in the middle and benefits from Stacie Hanna’s well timed bass amid the poetic singing, while the lush “Unkept Leather” enlists Michael Durkan’s meticulous fiddle and Conrad Chouchron’s punchy drums for the album’s best.
Arriving close to the end, the romantic spirit of “Forever Kind Of Love” is an appreciative and upbeat moment, and “Magnolia (Charlie’s Version)” exits with Riley Gilbreath’s harmony vocals and fluid banjo complementing Hanna’s timeless and organic formula.
A nostalgic effort that tips it hat to names like Rodney Crowell, Adam Carroll and Clint Black, Hanna touches on plenty of timeless country ideas, and his execution is nothing if not authentic.
Travels well with: Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope; Marty Cooper- American Portraits