The Exiles - Turning Time (30th Anniversary Edition) The Exiles

A long-lost gem from 1996, originally issued in limited quantities by an U.S. independent label, is finally receiving the re-issue it has long deserved. This definitive 30th anniversary edition re-titled Turning Time, comes complete with all new artwork, a full booklet, newly remastered audio, and five previously unreleased bonus tracks, offering a richer and more complete listening experience for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Musically, the album captures classic British blues rock at its finest, drawing clear inspiration from legendary giants such as Free, Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and Faces. At the heart of the project are British expatriates Sean Manning (formerly of Hurricane and Quiet Riot off-shoot Little Women) on guitar and Paul Rafferty (original vocalist for Bonham and later a guest performer with Joe Bonamassa) on vocals. Joined by fellow Brits, Paul Andrew Stanley on bass and Terry Mascall on drums, they deliver a powerful, authentic sound rooted in soulful grooves, expressive guitar work, and commanding vocal performances.

Recorded at various Los Angeles area studios with brothers Eddie Delena (Nazareth, Kix) and Ricky Delena (Quiet Riot, Rhino Bucket), Neil Geraldo (Pat Benatar, Rick Derringer), and Roger Sommers (Tesla, Riverdogs) at the helm, the sessions also feature an impressive line-up of guest musicians, including renowned drummers Myron Grombacher (Pat Benatar, Rick Derringer) and Greg D’Angelo (White Lion, Cities), bassist Frank Linx (Pat Benatar), as well as keyboardists Richard Baker (Santana, Gino Vannelli) and Jeff Jacobs (Foreigner, Billy Joel), the latter brought in specifically to augment the tracks for this re-issue. Their contributions add depth, texture, and a dynamic range to the overall sound of the record.

Sean Manning’s career includes notable stints with Quiet Riot off-shoot Little Women—contributing to the writing on QR’s 1993 album Terrified—and Hurricane where he stepped in for Doug Aldrich. Paul Rafferty, meanwhile, first gained recognition as the original vocalist for Bonham and later performed live alongside Joe Bonamassa. Today, Paul is also an accomplished and celebrated painter, dividing his time between the South of France and Southern California.

The original album, released as Sean Manning & Paul Rafferty – The Exiles, featured ten tracks, but this re-issue expands on that foundation with the inclusion of five additional songs uncovered by Manning. Mixed down with the help of Alex Gerst at Empire Sound in Dallas TX, they offer fans a deeper insight into the band’s creative output during that era. Turning Time can rightfully claim its place alongside 90s genre classics such as Cry of Love’s Brother, the Arc Angels’ eponymous debut, and The Black Crowes’ celebrated early output.