So night two of the three night stand and it’s the War and Treaty this time out. It’s their first UK tour proper but I was at their excellent London show from a few years back so we were not going to miss this one.
First up is Lady Nade, a fine singer songwriter from Bristol who delivers a lovely thirty minute set to whet the appetite with her very unique voice. Definitely one to check out again which I will when she supports Allison Russell later in the year.
Next up is the War and Treaty, the husband and wife soul act from Michigan, US and A. You knew it was going to be an emotional evening from the very first song where the huge hunk of a man that is Michael Trotter is overwhelmed by the rapturous reception the London crowd gives him. After some delicate lipstick removal from his lips by wife Tanya we are back in the groove.
There are only two words needed to describe this show. Deep joy. From start to finish there is a smile on every one’s faces as we laugh, cry and boogie our way throughput the night. There is so much love on the stage and their humble demeanour infects the crowd and you can’t help yourself from loving them.
The set list tonight on the stage is acting there only as a guide as they chop and change the running order with Michael keeping the band on their toes especially with the guitarist swapping acoustic for electric in record time. A word for said guitarist. He looks about fourteen but boy can he play. From subtle finger picking on the acoustic to full on rock mode. The rhythm section are too in fine form and they all get their individual moments to shine throughout the night.
The set grabs songs from across their back catalogue with a couple of new songs off the yet to be released album standing strong amongst those oldies. There’s a little soul classic medley halfway through the set but for me I have always been a sucker for the funky ‘Jeep Cherokee Laredo’.
Michael’s range is stunning and how he hits some of those notes is incredible. Tanya is no slouch either with that perfect sweet soul voice and their harmonies together are impeccable. This is a band that should be selling out large venues and the world needs to be more aware of their supreme talent.
Its churlish to complain but we spent less than eighty minutes with them and they could have played for another thirty with no complaints from the crowd. As good as they were three years ago and now a must see whenever they play over here.
Keep on soul rockin' y'all