'Blues On The Moon' is the title of a new DVD-release from former boxer Byther Smith, a.k.a. the Mississippi Kid. On this DVD, a live concert, recorded on August 17, 2007, in the Natural Rhythm Social Club on Chicago's south side. For those who never heard of Byther Smith: he’s not unknown, at the contrary! He started as a bassplayer in a jazz combo, later he joined Otis Rush as a guitarist. His career as a 'bluesman' is rather impressive, working with great ones such as Junior Wells, Big Mama Thornton, Dr. John, Malachi Thompson, Son Seals and George "Harmonica" Smith. In Europe, he became well known after the release of 'Tell Me How You Like It' (1983), on the Texan Grits label. Other releases worthwhile looking for are ‘Addressing The Nation With The Blues’ (JSP) and ‘Mississippi Kid’ (Delmark). On this DVD he shows his craftsmanship. Byther is a true Chicago bluesman who will impress anybody with his well written songs (eight out of the twelve tracks on this DVD are written by him). He has a soulful voice and his guitarplaying will hit you below the belt. Very strong is the six-minute long ‘Give Up My Life For You’ ("Baby Jesus died. He died for this world. I'm baby, don't let him die for you girl."), Other tunes that I consider very well done are ’Rock Me Baby (A.Crudup/BB King) and the titletrack ‘Blues On The Moon’. It is Jimmy Burn's band who helped him on this occasion: Anthony Palmer (rhythm guitar), Greg McDaniel (bass), James Carter (drums) and Daryl Coutts (keyboards). If you only want to listen: 'Blues On The Moon' is also available as a regular CD.