The War and Treaty — NPR Tiny Desk, Washington DC, 2026

Published on July 23, 2026 by NPR Music, this filmed live session brings together The War and Treaty, the married duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, behind Bob Boilen’s famous desk in Washington DC. Rather than the Tiny Desk’s usual stripped-down spirit, the couple opts for abundance, surrounding themselves with a full soul orchestra of keys, horns, strings, guitar, bass and drums. The rich, generous set runs through « Are You Ready to Love Me? », « Five More Minutes », « Don’t Say Goodbye », « Shouldn’t Have » and « High Heels », blending gospel, country, Southern soul, blues and classic R&B. Carried by Tanya’s incandescent voice and Michael’s impassioned singing, these songs of uncommon power turn this live performance into a moment of fervor and testimony. This live session filmed for NPR highlights the duo’s chemistry and the precision of its ensemble, never overpowering the emotion of the performers. It stands as a reference document for discovering The War and Treaty in 2026, between American soul and Americana, captured live at the Tiny Desk in Washington DC.