TEXAS ALEXANDER Range In My Kitchen Blues Okeh 8526 VG

$

70

Alger "Texas"  Alexander   Range In My Kitchen Blues (August 11, 1927)/Farm Hand Blues (August 16, 1927)
Okeh Electric Red Label 8526
Record Condition: V
Label Condition V+
This is a very scarce and hard to find record, it has some graying wear, a couple deep scratch marks, one very small outer edge dink that does not interfere with play. The record plays all the way through it has some background noise, but overall it is very listenable.

This is Texas Alexander's first ever 1927 recording on the Okeh label which makes this record very significant and also one of the most valuable Texas Alexander records to collectors.  Although the Okeh record Cornbread Blues was released earlier, this was his first recorded song and Cornbread Blues was recorded right after this one.  However, they were both recorded on the same date of August 11, 1927.

Texas Alexander was from Jewett, Texas and in the early days of his career would often play in the bottom lands of the Brazos River with Blind Lemon Jefferson accompanying him on guitar.  He did not play guitar and had to have someone play guitar on his recordings.  I do not know if it was through Blind Lemon (whose first recording label was Okeh) that he got to record for Okeh, but it was in 1928 when he would go to New York to record and create music history.  He would record a tune in New York with Lonnie Johnson accompanying him on guitar called "The Rising Sun".  Most historians feel this is the earliest version of the formulation of this song.  Roy Acuff in the 1930's would change the lyrics and melody up a bit, but it would be Josh White's version in 1941 that would set the stage for the version done by the Animals in the 1960's.  Texas Alexander was also a cousin of Lightnin' Hopkins and supposedly  Lightnin' learned some of his guitar skills through his friend Blind Lemon Jefferson.

Make sure to bid on this record today so that you do not forget to do it later or miss out on it at the last minute.  You may not see this particular record again in some time.

Grading scale that you are purchasing this record on

The VJM Grading System

N (78) M (LP). As new and unplayed (there are virtually no 78s that can categorically be claimed to be unplayed).

N- (78) M- (LP). Nearly Mint, but has been played. No visible signs of wear or damage.

E+ (78) VG+ (LP). Plays like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of jackets.

E (89) VG (LP). Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few inaudible scuffs and scratches.

E- (78) VG- (LP). Still shiny but without the lustre of a new record, few light scratches.  LP: Some wear, scratches and scuffs, but no skipped or repeat grooves.

V+ (78) G+ LP. V+ is an average condition 78 in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but playing is generally free from distortion. Surface noise not overly pronounced. LP: Below average with scuffs and scratches on fewer than half the tracks. No skips or repeat grooves.

V (78) G (LP). Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive.

V- (78) G- (LP). Quite playable still, but distortion and heavy greying in loud passages. Music remains loud in most passages. Surface noise and scratches well below music level. LP: Lowest Grade. Audible scratches, etc. on more than half the tracks. Listening uncomfortable.

G+ (78). Grey throughout but still serviceable. Music begins to sound muffled. Heavy scratches.

G (78). Quite seriously worn and scratched, but music level is still higher than surface noise.

G- (78). Music still prominent, but wear and scatch damage extensive.

F (78). Most of music remains audible over surface noise, but listening now uncomfortable.

P (78). Unplayable.

NB: Damage to labels and jackets (LP) should be noted whenever present.