Pop Music Reviews : Clint Black Slick and Sizzling at Greek

G oofy isn’t a term normally associated with country singer Clint Black. Witty , yes. And thoughtful , hunky and professional --the latter perhaps to a fault.

Nevertheless, during the solo acoustic portion of his show Thursday at the Greek Theatre--usually the “sensitive” interlude--the clean-cut, square-jawed Texan tossed off “The Universe Song,” the loopy Monty Python number that neatly wraps up no less than the meaning of life.

Even though the show contained little else to keep fans guessing, Black and his monstrously talented eight-piece band gave them nearly everything a mainstream country act could offer: an engaging host, brisk pacing, spot-on lead vocals and harmonies, sterling instrumental support and plenty of songs with both sizzle and steak.

Those songs, most written by Black and lead guitarist Hayden Nicholas, show superior craft even when songwriting technique overshadows heart. When everything does click--his early hit “A Better Man” and the title track from last year’s “No Time to Kill” album--Black still shapes up as a future Country Music Hall of Famer.

Opener John Berry may hail from a small town outside Athens, Ga., but with his operatic tenor and pounding arrangements that owe more to Springsteen than Haggard, he sounds only remotely like a country singer. He proved a very likable performer, but too many songs like his signature tune “Your Love Amazes Me” put a treacly glaze over his 45-minute set.

* Clint Black, Suzy Bogguss and John Berry sing tonight at the Pond, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 8 p.m. $9.50-$45. (714) 704-2400.