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Wild Blue Herons

Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper. They play mostly groove-oriented jazz. It’s a little bit hip, a bit cool, a bit smoky, a bit bluesy…But very much ACCESSIBLE. They perform original songs and select standards, ranging from funk to blues to R & B but with a jazz twist and a definite gospel influence. Their songs are filled with themes of love and social consciousness.

This husband and wife team met through the Vancouver-based Marcus Mosely Chorale (MMC) working together as musical director (Bill) and choral director (Darlene). They found an instant connection in their musical styles, love of theory, complex chords, and groove. Bill and Darlene soon began to co-arrange and co-write many of the MMC tunes. Often, during choir meetings, Bill and Darlene would find their way to a piano or even grab a napkin and start writing a song idea. This led to writing other material – a combination of jazz, funk, and soul tunes. There is a synergy and spark in their co-writing. Many of the songs come from their own life experiences as well as mutual concern for equality, love, and compassion around the globe. In 2017, they formed Wild Blue Herons and added a number of stellar musicians to their band.

Wild Blue Herons have played in numerous festivals (the Filberg Festival, Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival) as well as various Jazz Clubs (Frankies Jazz Club; Pat’s Pub – Jazz at the Pat series, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few). They have been featured with such artists as Eric Bibb, Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Chorale (MMC), Shari Ulrich, and debuted their show “The Great Ladies of Jazz” at the historic Columbia Theatre in 2019.

In 2018, they released their first album, “On the Outside”, which they feel describes themselves-“in music and life, the ‘outside’ is where you are when you are different. Good things can happen there”.

Awards

For Bill Samples' awards, please visit Bills' musicians' page. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/bill-sample

Bob Reynolds, Andy James, Harvie S. & Aubrey Johnson

by Joe Dimino
March 22, 2026

We launch the milestone 950th episode of Neon Jazz with a soaring start from the husband-and-wife duo The Wild Blue Herons, featuring Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper, and music from their heartfelt 2026 album It's All About Love. From there, the hour unfolds with powerful new sounds from seasoned jazz masters like Sam Yahel, Eyal Vilner, Bob Reynolds, Harvie S, and Homero Alvarez. We also shine a bright spotlight on rising momentum from artists making waves on the charts, including ...

Not exactly press - better than press:

"I had the great pleasure of getting to hear my dear friend and colleague Bill Sample and the band WBH a couple of months back- It was a treat from beginning to end-great vocals from Darlene - incredible musicianship from every one on stage and unique but very musical and thoughtful arrangements on every song!! The album doesn’t disappoint at all and a perfect reflection of who they are live - If you get a chance-please give them a listen - you will thank me"

David Foster