Rosyth musician helps Prince backing singer release new album

Neil Billinness has been working with Jill Jones, a backing singer for Prince before releasing her own self-titled album in 1987.

Her new album, which will be released by Neil's own label NERO Music, includes eight tracks that were recorded in London back in the 1980s, and has therefore been named 'The London Sessions'.

Neil said: “I was a huge Prince fan, so that’s how I discovered her. By the late 1990s, she hadn’t released anything since her album 1987, and I ended up starting a website for her. She gave me an interview for it, and things just went from there really.

Jill Jones' new album The London Sessions. (Image: Contributed)

"Since then, we just kept in touch, and she’s been there for me through some really bad times.

“I received a copy of the recording from a friend of a friend, who knew I was a huge fan. I have been on at her for years, saying to her if you’re not doing anything with these, why not release them? I think I just wore her down basically!

“Jill’s been fantastic during it all and has given me pretty much free rein over it in terms of producing it, the album artwork and what songs will be coming out as singles. All the songs have been remastered and are sounding great.

“I’m just pleased that they are finally going to be heard, after being left in limbo for so long. It’s a real passion project for me.”

It’s been a trip down memory lane for Jill who described releasing old demos from nearly 35 years ago as "a poignant journey into the past".

"It’s a reflection on the evolution of my artistic identity," she said. "These unreleased recordings capture a pivotal moment in my life and career, showcasing the determination to carve out a distinct persona separate from the influences of collaborators like Prince.”

Jill was full of praise for Neil, saying: “He has been an unwavering pillar of support throughout my career, a steadfast ally who played a pivotal role in breathing life back into my stalled artistic journey.

"His unyielding belief in my work and his ability to see beyond the shadows that surrounded me were instrumental in revitalizing my creative spirit.

“In moments when the industry had cast doubt on my potential, Neil emerged as a beacon of light, offering encouragement and unwavering support. The depth of Neil's support became particularly evident when he spearheaded the resurrection of the London Sessions.

“Understanding the struggles and challenges that had plagued my career, he took it upon himself to champion this project, infusing it with renewed energy and purpose. His dedication to bringing my music to a wider audience and his commitment to revitalizing my artistic voice were nothing short of transformative.”

The recording sessions took place at incredibly distressing time for Jill.

She explained: “After a fire in my home, my manager Roger Davies flew me to London and arranged for several musicians to work on production for the demos Chris Bruce and I had created in California.

“As listeners delve into these archival recordings, I hope to give them a unique opportunity to connect with me on a deeper level, to take the listener back to the genesis of a musical rebirth born from the ashes of personal devastation.”

In between Jill’s self-titled debut and the London Sessions, she has released only three albums. Despite a fractured relationship with the craft, though, Jill has collaborated alongside stars such as Sinead O’Connor, Chic, and Seal.

Unattainable Love, the first single from the album, was released on Valentine's Day. (Image: Contributed)

And she's grateful to Neil for reigniting her spark for music.

She said: “Neil helped me to have a bit of fun again, without the burden of recording labels, jesters, sycophants, and strawmen.”

The first single from the album, 'Unattainable Love' was released on Valentine's Day, and the new single 'Red' will be out on Wednesday, March 6. The London Sessions album is set to be released on Tuesday, April 16.