Review: Hannah Juanita ‘The Magnolia Sessions’
Showing no signs of slowing in production, the latest in the series of Anti-Corp’s The Magnolia Sessions has been an absolute pleasure for me to indulge in and review too.
Self-proclaimed Ramblin’ Gal Hannah Juanita is the latest addition to a series of dark country, bluegrass and folk singer-songwriters who have graced the hallowed ground below Anti-Corp’s most important magnolia tree to provide a sublime soundtrack for a hazy summer’s evening.
I was fortunate enough to review the marvellous Angela Autumn way back in April 2021 for the series, and since then I haven’t kept up with the releases as I should have. I know now that it’s quite the eclectic collection, and with the inclusion of the Ramblin’ Gal, it truly is something to behold.
If, like me, you have no awareness of Hannah Juanita, now’s the time to rectify that travesty. Pick up a copy of this charming little beauty, kick back with a beer (or a lil moonshine if that’s your thing), and let the southern sweetness roll over you. This eight-track solitary sonnet is equal parts self-expressional original works interspersed with a few classic covers. It’s a wonderful mix of old and new that makes for a dusky summer’s evening soundtrack, light and yet warm in texture.
Opening with one of her own pieces, Missin’ You, it’s a very laid-back affair. Everything you will have come to perceive as southern bluegrass is here: sultry, intoxicating vocals and genteel, soft guitar. It’s truly otherworldly in its majesty, warm, luxurious and rich. Like a soft caramel ice cream, Missin’ You is sticky sweet, sugary as sin, and utterly engrossing.
Wild And Blue, a hit for the artist John Anderson and written by John Scott Sherrill in the early ‘80s, receives the cover treatment first, and it’s enchanting in its delivery. One thing that Hannah excels at is the ability to take a song and make it completely her own, and here it is phenomenal. The harmonics are breathtaking, the guitar work eloquent, and the overall dynamic smacks of grandiosity. Simply breathtaking.
the perfect accompaniment for a summer’s eve, exquisitely crafted and majestically performed…
Track three, Tears And Tequila, showcases another highlight. It’s heartfelt and whimsical without being cliché. Falling into a more classic country sound, it never indulges this newfound pop culture trend, safely steering well clear of the likes of the Taylor Swift pap that’s gracing the airwaves. Workin’ Girl Blues, considering it’s only really existed since the late ‘70s, it sounds and feels much older. Leaning far more towards ragtime, the vibe definitively nudges towards a track fifty or sixty years senior. Full of charm, it’s simple yet full of soul.
Tennessee Songbird pulls us swiftly forward in time, one of her own, it feels utterly unique to her. It has a little Dolly vibe, yet it’s totally Hannah. When I think of country and bluegrass, especially in the current climate, we need far more acts like this and far less pop pap like Beyoncé playing dress-up and cheapening a real culture by diluting its uniqueness.
Following on, we find two covers. First up is I’m Not Drunk, a wonderful little ditty from 2009 by Mack Allen Smith. It’s a light-hearted romp that takes after my own lifestyle: cheeky, humorous, and heartfelt. Teetering on that fine line between tongue-in-cheek and whimsical, it’s upbeat and complete with crickets chirping, showcasing that live, raw experience. Next is the classic Sea Of Love, the 1959 masterpiece by Phil Phillips & The Twilights. It’s been covered so many times over the years that even if you don’t think you know it, you will. This rendition is charming and warm, a moment to pause and simply be still. Beautiful, simply beautiful.
Hardliner Blues closes the set and is one final opportunity to be thrilled with an upbeat, energetic tune. An original work that appeared on her Tennessee Songbird album, it’s a honky-tonk romp that’s cheeky, sassy, and full of spirit. If asked to describe Hannah’s sound at its most vibrant, I would aim squarely for this one. With its jazzy, upbeat guitar and country swagger, this track is the complete package.
Even for The Magnolia Sessions, I’m sure this recent addition is going to be one of the most popular titles. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a summer’s eve, exquisitely crafted and majestically performed.
Label: Anti-Corp Music
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
