Chuck Prophet And The Mission Express - Turn The Pigeons Loose (Live In San Francisco 2000) (2001)

Recorded at two shows (at Slim's and something called the Downtown Refugee Yard Sale Relocation Fundraiser Cook Off, typical Prophet humor) around his San Francisco home base in 2000 and finally released (it's available primarily on his website and at concerts) in 2004, this remains as of early 2008 the only full-length official live representation of a Chuck Prophet show. That's somewhat strange since he is known for his powerful performances and this is a good indication of why. Prophet was promoting his The Hurting Business album at the time, so it's perhaps understandable that ten of these 13 tracks originate from that. Regardless, his four-piece Mission Express band that includes wife Stephie Finch on keyboards, occasional guitar, and vocals, is top notch, and they churn through over an hour's worth of music with sensitive verve and subtle muscle. Whether rocking out on the hidden final track or "Credit," hitting a convincing soul groove on the "Dyin' All Young," or downshifting into a shuffling ballad lope on "Apology," the band both supports him and pushes the energy past the studio versions of these tunes. Prophet's deep talk/sung voice falls between Tom Petty, James McMurtry, and Dave Alvin as he navigates his own minefield of dry, wry lyrics. Although he's an accomplished guitarist, Prophet keeps his Telecaster work on low boil, preferring to inject short, sharp leads and fills that sustain the songs without hogging the spotlight as the guitar hero he wisely chooses not to be. When he does finally let loose on the title track to "Homemade Blood" it's with a gripping, twisted solo perfect for the song's underlying danger. While one might wish for a more varied set list, this is still a terrific example of how Prophet brings a live edge to his sound as he toughens up the arrangements and as such is required listening for all fans.