Though he was – and remains – unquestionably talented, The Spencer Davis Group’s nominal leader was overshadowed by Steve Winwood, singer on all the major hits and in another vocal and instrumental league. Since the Boy Wonder’s exit in 1967, the going has been erratic for Spencer Davis. Yet this autobiographical haunting of his Gower Coast genesis and, to a smaller extent, his days as a student and folk-blues entertainer in Birmingham, might stand as some sort of magnum opus.
While the lyrics are necessarily subjective, they are buoyed by proficient, even inspired, performances and memorable music. Indeed, Berlin (where Davis spent part of his degree course) would have been an ideal for Free, just as hoedown, Uncle Herman’s Mandolin, might earn a “yee-hah!” ovation for a ceilidh band at a barn dance near you. The only major flaw (and it’s a good flaw to have) is the off-course finale, Private Number, a dredged-up 1984 duet with Dusty Springfield. While its recycling may lend commercial resonance, So Far doesn’t need association with a big name to enhance its artistic worth.
