Big Country Notes for OCT 2

KEITH URBAN SUGGESTS PAPARAZZI CAUSED BIKE CRASH; SHUTTERBUG HELPFUL AFTERWARDS

Keith Urban appears to be blaming the paparazzi for his minor motorcycle crash yesterday in Sydney, but is also crediting the shutterbug with some kindness and decency. In a statement the singer is calling the accident, quote, "the result of one person's desire to do his job and my desire to maintain my privacy." Urban explains that he was on his way to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when he felt himself, quote, "being pursued." Urban notes he started going a little faster, but then had to "drop" his bike in an effort to avoid hitting an oncoming car he contends was making an illegal U-turn. But Urban adds that his "pursuer" ended up being very polite and helpful. He says the photographer came to his aid after his crash -- and didn't snap any pictures in the process. Urban walked away from the crash. Witnesses tell Australia's "Melbourne Herald-Sun" the performer appeared shaken up by the incident, but wasn't hurt. The 39-year-old Urban, who is married to actress Nicole Kidman, spent time in rehab last fall.

BROOKS & DUNN ESTABLISH “COWBOY TOWN”

In their follow-up to “Hillbilly Deluxe,” Brooks & Dunn continue with the more rural themes with “Cowboy Town.” Kix Brooks says that when he and Ronnie Dunn started the album they had six songs -- and threw out all but one. They then noticed a theme emerging, with such songs as “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” “The Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker” and “Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak).” Kix says, quote, “We had this dusty cowboy groove so we said maybe that’s what this album is about this time.” The last song they wrote for the project was the title cut. The 12-track “Cowboy Town” includes the single “Proud of the House We Built.” The disc will be in stores today.

FAITH HILL'S HITS COLLECTION ARRIVES TODAY

Faith Hill offers a look at her 15 years in country music with the release of her first “Greatest Hits” package. The singer says fans have been asking for her to create a best-of disc for several years. But she notes that she didn’t want to just throw something together, explaining that these songs have given her a career in the music business and they're also fan favorites. The album includes Hill's biggest hits, such as “This Kiss,” “Wild One,” “Breathe,” and “It Matters To Me,” along with a live version of “Stronger” -- a concert favorite that was never a chart hit -- and her current single, “Red Umbrella.” Faith's hitting the small screen to promote the new CD, with appearances set for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View” this morning.

CLAY WALKER GETS HITCHED

Clay Walker's now a married man. The singer tied the knot with girlfriend Jessica Craig over the weekend at the Audubon Zoo in in New Orleans, Louisiana. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of about 100 friends and family members. CMT.com says Tracy Lawrence and two of his band members took part in the ceremony. Lawrence performed for the couple, while the backing musicians stood up for Walker as groomsmen. Walker wore a black suit with a cowboy hat and boots. He told his guests it was one of his best days ever, noting, quote, “I am married to a beautiful girl, my daughters are with me, and I am with friends. What more could a guy ask for?” The newlyweds will be traveling for their honeymoon, with a three-week trek planned that'll take them to Europe and Hawaii. This is the second time Walker has taken a bride. His first marriage ended in divorce last year.

NEW RASCAL FLATTS CD COULD BECOME YEAR'S TOP COUNTRY SELLER

Rascal Flatts' new album, "Still Feels Good," is on course to post the best first-week sales figures this year for a country act. “Billboard” magazine says fans snatched up 321-thousand copies of the CD from major retail outlets within the first three days after it's release. Opening day sales hit the 175-thousand mark, while sales for the week are projected to reach 550-thousand. If the estimates hold true, Rascal Flatts' disc will outpace Reba McEntire’s “Reba Duets,” which moved 301-thousand copies during its first week out, and Kenny Chesney’s "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates,” which sold 387-thousand copies in its first week of sales.

JO DEE MESSINA READY TO RUN

Jo Dee Messina is prepping for a lengthy trek – but she's not going on tour. She'll be taking part in the upcoming Chicago Marathon. The singer says running helps her deal with the stresses of her career. She explains that she started running several years ago to get in shape. But Messina notes that she discovered that pounding the pavement while listening to her iPod allowed her to be mentally ready for the work-related demands and frustrations that came her way. Messina has undertaken other marathons in the past, including the Boston Marathon and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix. She'll run the 26-point-two-mile course through the Windy City this weekend.

JACK INGRAM RETURNING TO ROOTS BETWEEN MAJOR TOURS

Jack Ingram seems to have restless feet. Between runs on Brad Paisley's Bonfires and Amplifiers tour and Dierks Bentley's Throttle Wide Open trek, the Texas singer-songwriter has been playing as series of headlining shows across his home state. He's returned to his roots, performing before loyal fans who've supported him since the early days of his career. Ingram says, quote, “To come back to Texas now and play shows for the fans that have been following us for years, and to play the songs that weren’t necessarily hits on the radio, but were definitely hits on the streets is a lot of fun.” He says it’s also gratifying to see the new songs resonating with his longtime fans. Ingram and Bentley will launch their tour in Rome, Georgia on Thursday.

JOHN BERRY TO EMBARK ON 12TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR

John Berry says he loves to sing Christmas songs. He'll get the chance to perform them once again in concert when he heads out on his annual Christmas tour next month. Berry notes that he doesn't offer a Santa-based Christmas concert, but a Christ-centered show. The singer adds that his performance isn't really flashy, but instead it's a simple presentation with the focus on the music. In several cities local choirs will join Berry on three songs. Before he heads out on the tour John will spend time promoting his new single, “A Woman Like You,” his first new music offering in almost three years. Berry's Christmas Tour will begin in Lake City, Florida on November 16th.

QUICK BITES

Reba McEntire was the first singer to be featured in an eight part series on Women in Music on GayWired.com. Her segment debuted this past weekend. LeAnn Rimes will be profiled in the series, which will air through November 16th.

Lyle Lovett will receive the Americana Music Association's inaugural Trailblazer Award on November 1st in Nashville. He will also perform at the organization's 2007 Honors and Awards show. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will sponsor a keynote interview with Lovett the following day.

New artist Chuck Wicks was invited to sing at the wedding of the daughter of University of Tennessee head football coach Phillip Fulmer. Fulmer extended the invitation after he heard Wicks’ song “Stealing Cinderella.” Wicks sang an acoustic version of his tune at the wedding last Friday.

In Stores Today

Brooks and Dunn / “Cowboy Town”
Merle Haggard / “The Bluegrass Sessions”
Various Artists / “Songs 4 Worship: Country”
Various Artists / “Heart Something Country Christmas”
B.J. Thomas / “Love to Burn”
Cross Canadian Ragweed / “Mission California”