War and Treaty returns to Detroit for final tour date of the year
The husband-and-wife duo performs at Saint Andrew's Hall this Thursday, marking the end of their current run after a decade of albums and Grammy nominations.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount Trotter are closing out their Country Baptism Tour in Detroit this Thursday. The couple, known professionally as the War and Treaty, will perform at Saint Andrew’s Hall at 7 p.m. on November 12.
The duo marked ten years since the release of their first album, “Love Affair,” this year. Since that debut, they have released five additional studio albums and three EPs. Their work has earned three American Music Honors & Awards, two of which were for Duo/Group of the Year, along with a Folk Alliance International award.
They have received two Grammy Award nominations. The War and Treaty is currently nominated for a Country Music Association Award, which will be announced on November 18 on ABC and Disney+.
Their recent output includes collaborations with Zach Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Josh Groban, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Amy Ray. In June, the pair released the album “The Story of Michael and Tanya.” An expanded edition followed in September, adding the “Country Baptism” EP.
The couple headlined the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and their own HeartsTown Music Festival in Albion, Michigan, during August. They also appeared in an episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts in July.
Michael Trotter, 44, serves as the executive producer for “The Story of Michael and Tanya.” He noted that some listeners are confused by the title, assuming it is a solo effort by one partner. He clarified that the duo acts like reporters on the record, drawing from family stories, community experiences, and their jobs. Tracks like “Don’t Say Goodbye” and “Litty” focus specifically on their relationship, while others cover broader experiences.
The album features guest appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Babyface, Valerie June, and Wynonna. Trotter described Goldberg as a legend who was kind to agree to the collaboration. He called Valerie June a sister and an angel. He said it was powerful to have Babyface lend his name to the project. He noted that Wynonna is a spirited woman who is still able to stand and collaborate despite her own struggles. The duo also hoped to include John Legend but could not release that collaboration in time. Trotter said he sees them doing that further down the line.
Trotter described the project as a label album rather than a people’s album. He said the experience taught him lessons needed for the next level. The duo aims to return to their roots, focusing on the truth and honesty that defined their early work. Since going on tour, they have adopted a revival-like style reminiscent of Ray Charles. They view themselves as a live act and intend to produce records that drive that live sound.
The War and Treaty will release a holiday EP titled “12TWENTY5IVE” on November 20. The set includes five original songs and a version of “O Holy Night.” Trotter said the group has always wanted a Christmas release and hopes to put out a full album next year. He described the new EP as a mix of styles with different subjects. The track “My One Christmas Dream” was inspired by his time serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2003 to 2007. He said his dream during that period was that his family would be safe and return home.
Tickets for the Detroit show are available at 313-961-8961 or saintandrewsdetroit.com. The venue is located at 431 E. Congress St. in Detroit. The duo will also perform at the Ark’s 50th Ann Arbor Folk Festival on January 29 at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor.
Michael Trotter reflected on the past decade by saying it still feels like yesterday. He said they are not jaded and still have dreams they want to see happen. He wants people to know their name and their experience. He said he is grateful they remain relevant to so many people after ten years.
