Jeff Duffield, keyboard, plus arranging and producing; Sue, his wife, does most of the singing. Wendi Miller and their daughter, Annie Duffield - joined them on their latest CD, "Wonder", with a host of great studio musicians like Robby Meadows on bass, Jeremy Medkiff on guitar, Rick Murray on drums, Mike McElravy on steel guitar, John Gates on drums and percussion, and both Mike Crotty and Jim Templin - on brass and woodwinds.
Jeff loved listening to gospel quartets as a kid. Sue spent her time trying to figure out how Karen Carpenter sounded so "anointed", when she rarely sang a gospel tune. Together, they boh love vintage jazz, Singers Unlimited type stuff, and Dave Brubeck, Dave Grusin, Bob James - Rosie Clooney and Bonnie Herman. On the gospel side, Sue always loved Vestal Goodman, Annie Herring, Damaris Carbaugh, and Oleta Adams. Michael and Stormie Omartian too...
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Sounds Like
They were born in the wrong era! They LOVE all the vintage classics, the Great American Songbook favorites, and early hymns! Mixing a little jazz with everything, and always saying "yes" to whatever the format, the circumstance, the venue. They "sound" like they're having a great time! (Indeed we are!)
Jeff and Sue, New Jersey natives, married in 1974 and actually started singing together while in High School. Jeff knew at an early age that he would make his career playing the piano. He was backing artists like Evie Tornquist, The Envoys, The Couriers, PTL Club guests like - Anita Bryant, Doug Oldham; also The Oak Ridge Boys, Dave Boyer, Ben "Cooter" Jones of Dukes of Hazzard, and others. He started his recording career at Baldwin Sound Studios in Mechanicsburg, PA, and quickly became the studio piano player for many gospel artists.
During that time, Sue was also making a local name for herself. She released her first album while she was just a junior at Penns Grove High School. After they graduated from High School, they traveled with the Sammy Hall Singers, from Sevierville, TN. That two year tour with Sammy would turn out to be the perfect 'on-the-road' education and fine-tuning of their own music abilities. Many offers came their way, to travel with other popular Gospel groups, but they decided to come home to NJ and pursue their own music ministry.
Upon returning home, Jeff opened 'SJD SOUND STUDIOS' and began immersing himself in the latest recording techniques. Their sound was unique and very different than other duets on the road. Sue began writing her own music and creating their own signature sound, that many still respond to today. It's not unusual, on a weekly basis, to get phone calls or emails from fans of theirs, wanting all their earlier music - once on LP or 8-track - now on CD!
Jeff also was music director at two churches, while Sue led worship and directed women's groups. Sue also was the morning DJ at WNRK Oldies Radio in Delaware for 10 years. She continues to sing and speak for conferences, retreats, and special women's events. They are frequently invited to sing and entertain for corporate events, conventions, and conferences - singing all styles of music. Their love for the standards, vintage jazz, and easy listening pop style makes them highly marketable for various events, public or private. Their gospel and inspirational roots shine through, no matter the venue. Jeff also plays keyboard for Jimmy Fortune, former tenor with the Statler Brothers, and was featured on his latest Christmas CD. Check out and www.myspace.com/jeffduffield, and www.myspace.com/susanduffield for more information.
It would be a treat to get to come to Nashville to see you guys! If we're ever close, you can be sure we'll contact you and get together. We were in Paris, Tenn a couple of weeks ago...about 2 hours from Nashville. Our love to you!
Thank you for adding me. You were very inspiring to me and my bestfriend in Hershey,Pa. I felt so close to God that weekend. Thanks again for all that you do. God Bless
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