It's one of those sad injustices that Lenny Kravitz is a rock star and Ben Harper is more of a cult hero.

Harper, who performed brilliantly with the Innocent Criminals on Friday3-10 at House of Blues, is a monster musician with an equally formidable, though quiet, charisma. He used both to turn this sold-out show into what will likely be one of the more memorable concerts hereabouts in 2006.

Although Harper and his band mates partake in plenty of solos, this hybrid of rock, funk, jazz and blues never ventures far enough to warrant the "jam band'' label. Instead, the improvisation is always serves skillfully constructed songs.

The opening "Better Way,'' for instance, juxtaposed an air-tight rhythm section with silky harmonies and thoughtful lyrics that were uplifting without being saccharine. That's a pretty hard package to beat.

Musically, the Innocent Criminals are one of the most nimble five-piece ensembles around. The rhythm section alone -- percussionist Leon Mobley, bassist Juan Nelson, drummer Oliver Charles -- was a captivating force. On the evening's second song, the understated "Oppression,'' Harper's acoustic guitar figures provided the sole melodic foundation, with the rest of the band tapping on percussion.

When the band members returned to their customary instruments, Harper, lead guitarist Michael Ward and keyboardist Jason Yates indulged in delightful genre jumping. That included a wisp of country in the twangy "Diamonds on the Inside'' and the percolating reggae of "Jah Work'' and "How Many Miles Must We March?,'' which concluded with a giant sing-along.

There was a generous amount of material from the upcoming Both Sides of the Gun, a double album split into acoustic and harder rocking discs. In concert, the higher energy rock songs worked better than delicate ballads such as "Morning Yearning.''

The funky title track and the Stonesy "Engraved Invitation'' were highlights, although Harper's scorching lap steel on the marathon "Serve Your Soul'' was the night's emotional peak.

Harper flavored that long song with solos that channeled everything from gospel to Hendrix-ian frenzy to otherworldly ambient noise. It was a stunning display of prowess on an instrument that Harper handles with virtuosity.

"Serve Your Soul'' ended the 80-minute main set, which was followed by a solo acoustic encore ("Another Lonely Day'' and "Walk Away'') and another hour or so with the band.

By the time Harper launched into the closing "With My Own Two Hands,'' he had turned the evening into something spiritual, an accomplishment beyond mere rock stars.

Jim Abbott can be reached at jabbott@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-6213.