The War and Treaty with Choo Choo Hu (Brooklyn Park, MN)

The War and Treaty with Choo Choo Hu

Four years ago two solo artists from opposite sides of the world met at a Love Festival. Michael Trotter Jr. had just returned home after serving in the Iraq war and Tanya Blount was performing on various stages around the world. They fell in love and combined their talents to form The War and Treaty. The duo have been performing on stage and writing beautiful music together ever since. They are currently increasing fans on the social media airwaves with the soulful pop-folk songs from their much anticipated debut album The War and Treaty Live at Blue House Studios. Their music is intimate innovative and exciting. The War and Treaty is gaining momentum and their success has led to a national 20 city tour in United States ending this year in Zurich Switzerland. Most will instantly recognize singer Tanya Blount from the movie Sister Act 2 Back in the Habit where she sang His Eye Is on the Sparrow with Lauryn Hill. Blount appeared on the Big Break television show (similar to Star Search) hosted by Natalie Cole. From there she secured a recording contract with Polydor Records at age 19. The following year she released her first album Natural Thing which peaked at 7 on the R& B chart. The album s first single I m Gonna Make You Mine peaked to 57 on Billboard s R& B Singles chart. Two singles followed Through the Rain and Hold On soared to 27 at 66 respectively on Billboard s R& B Singles chart. By 1995 Blount received a nomination for Best New Artist at the Soul Train Awards. Michael Trotter is most recognizable as a former Indie Gospel artist trudging through the trenches of the underground pipelines. In 1996 he won Washington DC s Futurefest Singing Competition hosted by former mayor Marion Barry. From there Trotter joined the military where he served valiantly in Iraq from 2003-2007. In 2005 Trotter won the Baumholder Germany Military Idol judged by American Idol s voice coach Debra Bryd ACM s award-winning vocalist Mark Wills and legendary recording artist Michael Peterson. In 2012 Trotter was featured on Hope Channel s My Story My Song where he both sang as a solo artist and shared his story about his time at war. In 2013 Trotter received Congressional Recognition from the House of Representatives and was presented a certificate by Rep. Donna Edwards. In early 2015 the duo will release their debut album entitled The War and Treaty Live at Blue House Studios recorded in front of a live studio audience in Bethesda Maryland. Fifty percent of all digital album sales proceeds will be donated to Operation Second Chance a non-profit organization committed to serving wounded injured and ill combat veterans including those with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD hits close to home with the band as Trotter was recently diagnosed with it after serving two tours in Iraq. About Choo Choo Hu Pianist Choo Choo Hu has quickly become recognized as one of the most versatile musicians of her generation. Praised by The Bethlehem Morning Call as one of the finest musicians I ve ever heard...her technique was as solid and smooth as could be wished...in addition she managed to bring out the richness of Schubert s music with impeccable phrasing and tempi. Choo Choo has performed across the United States from New York to Los Angeles and a host of places in between as well as in parts of Europe and Asia. Although she enjoys an active career as a soloist Choo Choo is also a passionate chamber musician. She has worked with members of the Brentano Tokyo and Jupiter String Quartets. Recent performances include collaborations with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra musicians of the Baltimore Symphony the JHU Choral Society and appearances at the Strathmore Mansion the TEDx MidAtlantic Conference and TEDMED 2013 at the Kennedy Center. An avid proponent of contemporary music Choo Choo is a member of the Sonar New Music Ensemble a Baltimore-based group dedicated to promoting music written within the last century and premiering works by up-and- coming young composers.