Chilly Calgary country fans found a little southern comfort at a local music store yesterday as Nashville musician Deana Carter attended an autograph session.

The promotion, in support of her latest CD Everything's Gonna Be Alright, had Deana devotees lined up at A&B Sound's south location before noon -- five hours early.

"I think she's great. I like her bare feet," smiled Judy Henry, a self-described "Deana Wannabe," while inspecting a new copy of Everything's Gonna Be Alright.

The star's down-to-earth philosophy and relaxed manner had many fans impressed.

"It's nice when they come out for the fans without having to buy a ticket," said Lise Quirion. "I try not to miss out on opportunities like this."

"She was so friendly, I didn't really know what to say," Jeremy Jensen reported after his audience with the star whose debut album, Did I Shave My Legs For This?, sold more than four million copies.

"I'm totally excited," said Randy Hirtle, who switched a shift at Telus to meet Carter.

After picking up the new disc two weeks ago, Hirtle cites her remake of the old Melanie tune Brand New Key as a favourite on Everything.

"I've always liked Strawberry Wine -- that's what sold me on her."

Although he admits the singer's videos didn't hurt either.

"Oh yeah, she's probably as good-looking as Shania."

Jensen, who once lined up at 8 a.m. with Hirtle to get Shania Twain's autograph, added: "I'm a rock and roll fan ... but I come out for the hot country women."

Jackie Peltier's 10-year-old son was expecting a full report later that night.

"He wants to know if she's pretty," Peltier said.

Carter has also scored hits with We Danced Anyway and Absence of the Heart.

"We've brought 500 extra copies of Everything and I think pretty much all of them have gone out the door. Hopefully, most of them paid for," joked A&B GM Chris Shepherd.

Carter's CD wasn't the only western album ringing the store's registers. Business was also brisk for Garth Brooks' Double Live, released yesterday.

"It should be a monster season. There's just a bunch of new releases," Shepherd said.