“Higher Love” may have not made the set list last night at Blender Theater, but the crowd’s level of love for Steve Winwood and band couldn’t have been much higher.

Winwood premiered his brand-new Nine Lives album featuring a dynamic and international mix of rock and funk that infuses Latin beats and yet maintains Steve’s strong vocal presence with characteristic punchy chorus lines. All but one song off the new album were performed, along with old classics “Can’t Find My Way Home” from Steve’s Blind Faith days, and Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin.’ ” The songs were each unique but transitioned smoothly throughout the set, and it was hard not to smile with the band consistently smiling at one another and looking like they were having as good a time as their fans.

The hit single off the new album, called “Dirty City,” drew loud cheers and everyone seemed to already know all the words as they sang along. While most of the crowd was much older than I, there was a healthy mix of 20-somethings that responded well to Winwood’s new sound — and the young sax and flute player Paul Booth held his own onstage, drawing big applause with his wailing solos.

The band will play in Boston and the U.K. before kicking off a tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers May 30. I’ll be there!

For all their tour dates and the “Dirty City” video, visit stevewinwood.com.

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