Finalists in the 2025 UK Blues Awards, The Swaps are Beth Brooks (vocals), James Knight (guitar and vocals), and Adam Phillips (guitar and vocals). They have been honing their blend of blues, soul and folk for many years in different line-ups but have recently found the real magic (and national recognition) as an acoustic trio. The Swaps build most of their music around Beth’s jaw-dropping vocals and the instinctive guitar interplay between James and Adam. The dynamics and variety of textures they achieve with only two instruments and three voices is astonishing. All three are songwriters, which perhaps explains the variety and exceptional quality of their material.

The Swaps host the monthly blues club at Temperance in Leamington Spa, which sells out as soon as tickets are made available. They usually headline the show, with guest sets from some of the best-known names in UK (and sometimes international) blues.

This year The Swaps were nominated for five UK Blues Federation Awards, including best band and best vocalist (Beth Brooks). Plus a sixth for Temperance, where they are the house band.

The Swaps have supported Erasure on a UK tour and have played with folk legend Tim Edey, Geno Washington, John Primer (Muddy Waters’ guitarist), Stevie Watts, Greg Coulson, Steve Walwyn (Dr. Feelgood), Jonathan Read (The Specials), Tommy Allen (Sugarbabes) and many more. The Swaps have played all over the UK including at Ronnie Scott's and the Roundhouse in London.

The Swaps are played regularly on local and national radio and their new release "Fast Train" has been featured on the BBC as well as many different specialist blues radio stations.  It has been met with rave reviews: 

“A beautifully crafted selection, every sweet taste a pleasure... Beth’s vocals are sublime, the guitars a perfect canvas for the intriguing lyrics.” (SLAP Magazine)

“Fast Train is a hugely impressive debut that shows The Swaps are as accomplished in a studio as they are on a stage... Brooks clearly a star in the making” (folking.com)

Their 2024 release “The Swaps Live at Upton” was described as “fabulous”, “superb” and “haunting in its beauty” by Blues in Britain magazine. 

“Beth is the star that shines brightly, magic in that voice…as the guitars intertwine impeccably”

Blues in Britain 

“The guitar playing by James Knight and Adam Phillips is awe-inspiring ... Acoustic music at its very best”

Blues Matters 

For more information, interviews, or press materials, please contact: music@theswaps.co.uk

Website: www.theswaps.co.uk
Bandcamp: www.theswaps.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-upton-2024
  Temperance (Blues Club every second Wednesday of the month): http://www.temperance.bar