INTENSE GRECO

Buddy Greco stacked his show at the Vine St. Bar & Grill last week with such pop classics as Cole Porter’s “At Long Last Love” and the Gershwins’ “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” But Greco--a pop crooner in the tradition, but not the class, of Steve Lawrence and Vic Damone--lacks the light, nimble touch these dry, witty pieces require. He tends to be too intense, overwhelming the songs’ sly nuances.

Greco was more convincing on ballads Thursday--he should replace a few of the bright, jazzy songs with more mature, reflective pieces. He should also seek out a few lesser-known tunes. Because most of his material was instantly identifiable, the show lacked an edge of surprise and discovery. Greco was ably backed by a four-piece jazz combo for his three-night engagement.