.Back in the High Life

After sinking from sight following a decade where he sold his creative soul for beer-commercial dollars and a forgettable Traffic reunion (if you can call an album cut with only Jim Capaldi a reunion), Steve Winwood disappeared for almost seven years. And while 2003 was the last time he hit the studio for what ended up being About Time, it seems the hiatus did him good as the former child prodigy transitioned into playing Latin-jazz-flavored fare. Aside from the odd guest appearance on albums by Christina Aguilera and Sam Moore, Winwood has been focusing his efforts on touring. Given the fine return to form that was featured on his last studio outing, Winwood’s efforts should translate well in a live outdoor setting. Thursday, July 5 at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. 8:15 p.m., $79-$239. WenteVineyards.com