Wesley Hanna’s new album Magnolia is a deeply personal tribute to his roots, inspired by the small Texas town where his family first settled in the early 1900s. Just like the tall pine trees that grow from Magnolia’s red clay soil, Hanna’s songs draw strength and nourishment from the land, family, and experiences that shaped him.

Before heading west to the oilfields and eventually settling in Fort Worth, Hanna spent his formative years in Southeast Texas. The writing on Magnolia is steeped in nostalgia, drawing listeners into another time and place. While singles dominate today’s music industry, Hanna’s record is a true collection—each song bonded by themes of heritage, memory, and hard-earned wisdom.

The album cover itself carries layers of symbolism. Hanna grew up in Sargent, Texas, with a magnolia tree in the front yard—a tree he and his brother climbed endlessly as kids. His grandmother, a painter, often worked with stained glass, and the Magnolia train depot sign—reading “Houston 43 Miles” on one side and “Fort Worth 205 Miles” on the other—still resonates with him today. These pieces of personal history all converge visually before the first note is even played.

To bring Magnolia to life, Hanna called on a blend of close collaborators and Americana greats. Veteran producer and drummer Pat Manske helmed the project, with legendary guitarist Scrappy Jud Newcomb shaping the melodies. Renowned drummer Conrad Choucroun, upright bassist Stacie Hanna, and fiddler Michael Durkan provided the foundation, while special guests Cody Braun, Courtney Patton, Lloyd Maines, and Pablo Trujillo added their voices and instruments to the mix. The result is an album that reflects Hanna’s journey and the community that surrounds him.

Hanna’s influences are rooted in the work of Texas songwriters Rodney Crowell, Adam Carroll, Clint Black, and Hayes Carll, as well as the traditional country resurgence of the late 20th century. Unlike today’s Nashville hit-factory approach, Magnolia was crafted by one or two songwriters at a time, keeping the focus on authenticity and storytelling.

Magnolia Tracklist

1. Gulf Prairie Blues (3:02)

2. Life in Three Quarter Time (4:20)

3. This Old Guitar (3:03)

4. Thomas B. O’Hara (4:34)

5. Magnolia (3:57)

6. The Right Thing (3:30)

7. Unkept Leather (3:20)

8. Harvey’s Landfall (3:08)

9. Behind the Pine Curtain (3:23)

10. Forever Kind of Love (3:43)

11. Magnolia (Charlie’s Version) (4:38)

(All songs FCC clean)

Album Credits

• Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Wesley Hanna

• Upright Bass: Stacie Hanna

• Fiddle: Cody Braun (Side A), Michael Durkan (Side B)

• Drums: Pat Manske (Side A), Conrad Choucroun (Side B)

• Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Resonator & Nylon-String Guitar: Scrappy Jud Newcomb

• Dobro: Lloyd Maines

• Pedal Steel: Pablo Trujillo

• Duet & Harmony Vocals: Courtney Patton

• Banjo & Harmony Vocals: Riley Gilbreath (Track 11)

• Barroom Choir (Track 4): Conner Hanna, Courtney Patton, Jake Morris, Stacie Hanna

Recorded at The Zone Recording Studio in Dripping Springs, TX (Tracks 1–10) and Melody Mountain Recording Studio in Stephenville, TX (Track 11). Engineered by Pat Manske, Ben Hussey, and Jack Pirtle. Produced by Pat Manske, with Side A co-produced by Scrappy Jud Newcomb. Mixed and mastered by Pat Manske at The Zone Recording Studio. Artwork by Stacie Hanna.

Listen to Magnolia:

🔗 Spotify Album Link
🌐 www.WesleyHannaMusic.com