Black Lion Records

UK label (some logos are Black Lion). Sometimes both logos can be found, one on the cover, the other on the label. The label was introduced by [a=Alan Bates] in 1968, so please don't confuse earlier P&C marks with release dates. If not sure, the date should stay vacant. Instead to provide incorrect dates, please denote the distributor and other identifiers that could help to find a reasonable date by times. The UK headquarter was in London. For some time the label was distributed by [l=Polydor]. Releases with cat# [b]BLP[/b] 12xxx are mostly British Dixieland and traditional jazz Releases with cat# [b]BLP[/b] 30xxx are mostly US swing, bop and hard-bop The earliest Black Lion Records have distinct pink/yellow center labels and are marketed by [l=Transatlantic Records Ltd.] Starting somewhere during 1972 Black Lion Records were released and distributed In Germany by [l=Intercord] (see [i]Billboard[/i] 4 June 1972, page 52). Since at least 1987 the German distributor is [l=Deutsche Austrophon GmbH & Co. KG]. Starting November 1973, Black Lion Records was exclusively distributed in North America by [l=Audiofidelity Enterprises, Inc.] (see [i]Billboard[/i] 15 Sept. 1973 and 10 Nov. 1973). These US releases cannot, therefore, predate 1973. US catalog numbers start with prefix [b]BL[/b], followed by three digits.