Big Country Notes for AUG 14

MARTINA MCBRIDE SAYS COMPARISONS TO CARRIE UNDERWOOD NOT EXACTLY RIGHT

Martina McBride’s changing her tune a bit regarding similarities between her and Carrie Underwood. When Carrie sang Martina's “Independence Day” during the “American Idol” competition, it was obvious that Carrie was a big Martina fan, but now that the two singers are peers and label-mates, Martina says the comparisons between them aren't valid. McBride tells “The Tennessean” she thinks Underwood, quote, "is a great singer, and I think there's a connection with the song on ‘American Idol,’ but that is kind of where it ends.” She adds that otherwise they're very different performers who sing different types of songs. Martina says she doesn’t feel threatened by Carrie but is happy for her, adding, quote, “She is doing awesome. Just to have an artist sell as many records as she has and be in country music is fabulous." McBride says she only competes against one person -- herself. She explains, quote, “Certainly, I want to be successful, and it's great to be recognized for what you do and get recognition, but it's not like I look at the female vocalist category and say 'I don't want them to win; I wanna win.' I'm happy for anybody who wins or is successful." McBride adds that she believes everyone wins when anyone in the business does well, as it bolsters the industry.

TRISHA YEARWOOD ENJOYS WORKING WITH HER NEW TEAM

Trisha Yearwood says working with producer Garth Fundis and her new record label has been very rewarding. She explains that it's exciting to be making new music, and adds that she's had fun with the recording process. The work is progressing quickly, as Yearwood notes she's cut eight songs in just two days – something she says typically never happens for her. Trisha's first single, the title track for her CD “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love” is also climbing the country charts quickly. The video for the tune will be released later this month. The album is due in stores November 13th.

JACK INGRAM MEETS JESSI COLTER AT PHOENIX SHOW

Jack Ingram says he's trying to carry on the Outlaw tradition of such legends as Waylon Jennings, and now he's received some confirmation that he's on the right track. During a recent tour stop in Phoenix, Ingram performed for Jennings' widow, Jessi Colter. Ingram notes that he knew she'd be in the crowd, so he added Jennings' “Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line” in his set. He explains that after the show Colter met him backstage and told him he did the song well and Waylon would have been proud. Jack says that was such a huge compliment, and he finds it very gratifying to receive such validation from a member of the original Outlaw movement.

TRACY LAWRENCE READYING CHRISTMAS ALBUM FOR OCTOBER RELEASE

It might be hot outside but Tracy Lawrence has Christmas on his mind. The singer is in the process of completing his upcoming Christmas album, which will include seven standards and three new songs. Lawrence describes the sound as “jazzy” and “less produced,” noting, quote, “We used a lot of upright bass and kept it very open and airy.” He says his favorite song on the disc is “The Christmas Song” but his daughters have different preferences. Lawrence explains that he included “Here Comes Santa Claus” for Skylar and “Frosty the Snowman” for Keagan. “All Wrapped Up In Christmas” will arrive in stores in mid-October, and will be released exclusively through Wal-Mart.

LUKE BRYAN SAYS NEW ALBUM IS REALLY HIM

Luke Bryan says he followed the advice of people who told him to write songs about what he knows. As a result, the singer says his debut effort, “I'll Stay Me,” reflects the life he had in Georgia, before he moved to Nashville. The tracks are about little country towns, farms, riding around in trucks, going fishing and partying with the kids he grew up with. Bryan adds that he his favorite songs are the ones that are visual and tell stories of the events in people's lives, citing Alan Jackson's “Chattahoochee” as an example. Luke also admits that he enjoys listening to his own music, and he's proud of the album he's putting out. Luke will be in his home state of Georgia celebrating the release of “I’ll Stay Me.” He’ll be taking part in a tailgate party at the Ledo Road Wal-Mart in Albany, where he'll meet with fans and sign autographs.

LORI MCKENNA RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM TODAY

Lori McKenna is releasing her debut album, “Unglamorous,” today. She'll help promote the effort with a performance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” this morning. McKenna, who wrote all the songs on the disc, is perhaps better known as a songwriter. She penned three songs for Faith Hill's CD “Fireflies,” including the single “Stealing Kisses.” Most of McKenna's new tunes are about her husband, while one track is about her mother, who died when McKenna was six. She notes that receiving national attention with the release of her album is a dream come true.

QUICK BITES

Brad Paisley will be a guest on “Live with Regis and Kelly” today. He'll perform his current hit “Online” and also chat with the show's hosts.

Bluegrass/Americana artist Sam Bush has a new gig. He'll host the International Bluegrass Music Awards on October 4th from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Bush says he feels honored and thrilled to be tapped for the job.

Taylor Swift's presence in movie theaters continues to grow. In November her likeness will grace 500 thousand bags of popcorn in cinemas across the country as part of a Verizon Wireless music campaign. Swift's song "Our Song" is currently being used in a Screenvision campaign that plays in advance of the featured films.

Newcomer Sarah Johns was in the middle of her showcase at the Station Inn last week when she looked in the audience and spotted new Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis in the crowd. Later she and her band joined Tillis at another nightspot for drinks. Sarah’s new album “Big Love in a Small Town” will be in stores August 28th.