The War and Treaty give an amen performance

When it came to press play, The War and Treaty were ready. This was not a night where the soul/country husband-and-wife duo of Michael Jr. and Tania Trotter exactly needed to ease into the set.

The War and Treaty, along with their supple backing quintet, were ready to roll from the opening bell of what would be a love fest of a show in more ways than one. The high energy opener, "Tunnel Vision," found the band laying it down with a thick, soulful vibe and the Trotters doing their thing vocally. At times, they recalled Ike and Turner. This was a sign of things to come.

Apparently (and as it would turn out, rightfully so), the Trotters were confident enough to sing their most popular song (at least on Spotify), "Hey Driver," early in the set. They may have recorded it with Zach Bryan, giving it a higher profile, but they needed no help on this night. Michael had a lot of timbre in his soulful delivery, digging down deep.

The War and Treaty weren't afraid to test out a few new songs on the crowd either, turning in "Boy We Sure Do Have It Made" and "Find My Way" on consecutive songs. Both were on the country side of The War and Treaty. Michael Trotter Jr. said he was looking for feedback from the faithful. He got it – positive and deservedly so with the former on the more playful side.

The highlight of the night, though, was the ultra-extended, 15-minute version of "Love Like Whiskey," a song the Trotters penned with Miranda Lambert for their new album, "Plus One." Michael got the ball rolling with his full-bodied delivery and Tania kicking in as well.

And then...they went into the crowd, bringing the show to a whole other level. The Trotters (and crowd) kept singing the refrain "walk through the fire" while the band played a repetitive riff. Both Trotters walked around the floor (Tania went up to the second level) to hug one by one a whole bunch of fans one, who were more than ready to reciprocate the love.

There may not be a hotter moment all year than this song. And then near the end, the Trotters embraced on the stage, kissing with tears in Tania's eyes.

That would not be the only time the emotions came out. Whether there was something personal going on or she was stunned and overcome by the crowd response, who knows? Wearing your heart on your sleeve ain't a bad thing.

The connection between the Trotters was palpable. The slow swaying during "Yesterday's Burn" ending with a hug and kiss seemed totally legit.

The night ended with another powerful song from "Plus One," "Can I Get an Amen." The perfect, forceful close about family, love and gratitude had the Trotters, band and crowd soaring. The answer to the title: a resounding yes as the rapturous cheering from the crowd affirmed. From start to finish, The War and Treaty doled out an amen performance.

Tiera Kennedy set the stage and proved herself to be a perfect table setter. The Alabama native had a perky, upbeat personality, not to mention vocal chops.

The former was the case despite having a failed record deal with Big Machine where she told the crowd that it was the usual label problem of the suits trying to change what the singer is about. Good thing that Kennedy realized that sooner than later.

She underscored her longstanding love of country music from the time she was a youngin' with "Can't Help My Country." She went to the familiar with well-done Dolly cover of "9 to 5," making it her own.

Give The War and Treaty credit for having Kennedy a Black country singer, on tour with them and getting the chance to show off her considerable talents.