Basic Black--With a Touch of Whimsy

LOS ANGELES —  Goofy 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 85-minute 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 nothing less than the meaning of life.

It was a welcome note from left field in a performance where the one gaping void was inspired unpredictability, the lifeblood of live music-making.

But even though the show contained little to keep fans guessing, Black and his monstrously talented eight-piece band--who’ll be at The Pond of Anaheim tonight--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 the band’s lead guitarist, Hayden Nicholas, command respect for their superior craft even when songwriting technique overshadows heart--which has been the case more often than not since Black’s debut album in 1989, still his most consistently moving collection.

When everything does click--as in 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 soaring, 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.