Missionary Stew

Missionary Stew was an American rock group formed in East Detroit, Michigan and active from 1987 to 1993. The group was based on the songwriting partnership of Dion Roddy and Chris Gallivan, the slick keyboard playing of Jeff Woods, the often-complex drumming of Todd Kulman and the punchy bass playing of Todd Ruthruff. The group's sound was firmly rooted in pop music along the lines of U2, The Waterboys, The Chameleons UK, The Stone Roses, and The Cure. The group emerged from the gritty, working-class backdrop of Detroit and garnered critical praise for it slick and melody-based songs. Missionary Stew gained a wide-following in the Midwest and was known for its clever songwriting and energy-packed live shows. While never signed to a major label, Missionary Stew released a five-song EP and two, full-length albums independently.

[http://www.motorcityrock.com/bands/missionary_stew/images/missionary_stew_band_01b.jpg]

History

The group was formed in East Detroit, Michigan by Dion Roddy (originally from Delton, Michigan) and Chris Gallivan. The two songsmiths were huge fans of U2 and immediately began writing energized, guitar-based songs that mirrored those of Bono and The Edge. Gallivan had previously played in local groups Pray For Rain and New Theatre and was anxious to assume a larger role in songwriting. Roddy had a firm musical background, having played in a number of bands, including Extra Senses. He recruited high school friend Todd Ruthruff to play bass for the group. Keyboardist Jeff Woods and several different drummers rounded-out the original lineup. The group took its name from a poem by T. S. Eliot titled "Fragment of an Agon". A five-song EP was recorded during this time and garnered the group its first taste of local radio airplay. It wasn't until the addition of drummer Todd Kulman in 1989, that the group was complete and ready to seriously begin writing the songs for its first album, "Childhood". Kulman had previously played with locals World State and had gained a reputation as an incredibly talented finesse drummer influenced heavily by Stewart Copeland from The Police.

The band began recording the album at the Tempermill Studios in Ferndale, Michigan and tapped Dave Feeney of the Orange Roughies to produce it. The album featured the title song, "Childhood" (taken from the earlier EP), "Stay Here", "Love Let Me In", "Peace Like A River", "Waterworld" and "Last Day". Everything about the album was original, from the power-pop sound to the artwork on the album cover (a self-portrait of Gallivan as a young boy). Following the release of "Childhood", the band toured extensively throughout the midwest, playing sold-out shows in Chicago, Louisville, Toledo, Youngstown, Hoboken and Philadelphia. Airplay on college radio stations across the country helped solidify the band as a campus favorite.

It wasn't long before the band began writing for its second album, "Idylls". The sound of Missionary Stew had begun to mature, as did the subject matter. 'Stew's songs began to take on social issues like homelessness (Lord Is It Me) and different musical styles, like the cabaret number "No One's Cried For Me". Once again, The Tempermill was the studio of choice, but this time the group brought Geoff Michaels on-board to produce. The result was a glorious album of big guitars, slinky keyboards, driving drums and, for the first time, a full horn section. The mucho-anticipated second album was released during a sold-out show at Lili's in Hamtramck in 1991. The band later garnered Best Local Recording honors at the Detroit Music Awards. Todd Kulman also picked up the Best Rock Drummer award. Extensive touring followed.

During this time, local writer and budding filmmaker K. Michelle Moran began shooting a documentary on the band that would document its short, but stellar career. "From Childhood To Idylls" would be released in the Fall of 2001 and would garner extensive showings on local access cable throughout southeast Michigan.

The band eventually returned to the studio following interest from several major labels. "Start The Day", "King Without A Crown", "Promises" and "She Comes" would be the finest, most polished songs ever recorded by the band and would also go un-pressed. The group disbanded shortly after these sessions.

Discography

1988-5 song EP "Lady Sunshine"

1989-"Childhood"

1991-"Idylls"

**1995-Spank (featuring Dion Roddy and Todd Kulman), "Gargling Oil"

Where Are They Now?

After the breakup, Roddy and Kulman formed Spank with Tim Diaz (Red C) and Joe Lambert (Radio Caroline). The band was a super-group of sorts, combining members of three of Detroit's most popular groups. The band immediately began writing songs and jumped right into the studio to record its first album, "Gargling Oil". A landmark gig at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit established the band as one of the leaders of the roots-rock genre out of the Motor City. Kulman eventually left the band to pursue a career in broadcasting. Spank eventually disbanded without ever securing a recording contract. Roddy went on to work at one of metro Detroit's biggest commercial production warehouses, Gallivan performs computer work for one of the Big Three, Kulman enjoys a successful career in radio, Woods owns his own ceramic tile business and Ruthruff is the regional head of an insurance company in Florida. The band reunited for an impromptu performance at Gallivan's 40th birthday party in January 2007. The reunion was almost 15 years to the day since the band last played together. Unfortunately, there is no recording of the performance.

External links

* [http://www.motorcityrock.com/bands/missionary_stew/missionary_stew.html]