A modern artist rooted firmly in the jazz
tradition, Stephen revels in taking his
co-musicians and his audiences on impulsive
musical journeys, whether he's working with a
trio, a combo or a big band.
Like his musical heroes Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae and Mel Torme, Stephen is a singer who uses jazz improvisation to help sell a lyric. His influences as a musician run from the great singers, to saxophonists Ben Webster and Charlie Parker, pianists Oscar Peterson and Gene Harris and the big bands of Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
An improvising musician first and foremost, Stephen underwent a true jazz apprenticeship cutting his musical teeth in piano bars, clubs, restaurants, ballrooms and jam sessions across the country; learning the tricks of the trade and earning the admiration of his fellow musicians. He also studied under saxophonist Tommy Smith and sang with the Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra.
As well as working with his trio and quartet, Stephen is also an accomplished big band arranger, and the 17 piece Stephen Duffy Big Band emulates the sound and precision of the great bands, particularly the sounds of Count Basie and Ted Heath.
Like his musical heroes Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae and Mel Torme, Stephen is a singer who uses jazz improvisation to help sell a lyric. His influences as a musician run from the great singers, to saxophonists Ben Webster and Charlie Parker, pianists Oscar Peterson and Gene Harris and the big bands of Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
An improvising musician first and foremost, Stephen underwent a true jazz apprenticeship cutting his musical teeth in piano bars, clubs, restaurants, ballrooms and jam sessions across the country; learning the tricks of the trade and earning the admiration of his fellow musicians. He also studied under saxophonist Tommy Smith and sang with the Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra.
As well as working with his trio and quartet, Stephen is also an accomplished big band arranger, and the 17 piece Stephen Duffy Big Band emulates the sound and precision of the great bands, particularly the sounds of Count Basie and Ted Heath.
