Darlene Cooper & Bill Sample
“This pairing represents a true fusion of musical mastery, blending high-calibre pop and session experience with deep roots in jazz, soul, and gospel.”
In music and life the outside is where you are when you are different. Good things can happen there.
Catch the evolution…
**NEW ALBUM DROPS FEBRUARY 14, 2026**
It’s All About Love
With It’s All About Love, Sample and Cooper widen the lens. Adding a full horn section in 2023 sparked a shift toward a more groove-oriented, Crusaders-meets-Steely-Dan aesthetic - deep pocket, joyful energy, and sophisticated arrangements shaped by Sample’s writing. The album moves fluidly between jazzy swing, funk-driven anthems and soulful ballads, unified by themes of presence, gratitude and keeping love at the centre.
CD & Vinyl available for preorder now.
Wild Blue Herons with Horns!
Adding a full horn section in 2023, the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of BC Entertainment Hall of Famer, Bill Sample, and Darlene Cooper debuted Wild Blue Herons with Horns. “This sparked a shift toward a more groove-oriented, Crusaders-meets-Steely-Dan aesthetic - deep pocket, joyful energy, and sophisticated arrangements shaped by Sample’s writing.”
Wild Blue Herons with Horns play groove-oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (Jazz Crusaders, Dr Music) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz, in particular Nancy Wilson. Collectively, this team of musicians has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Celine Dion.
“Whether performing as an intimate duo or as a soaring full band—complete with a powerful horn section and a rhythm crew whose members have backed Van Morrison, Tom Cochrane, and k.d. lang—they captivate audiences with their world-class live show. “
As an ensemble, they have graced stages at numerous major events, including the Vancouver Folk Festival, the Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, and renowned venues like Vancouver’s Frankies Jazz Club and Toronto’s Jazz Bistro.
“Adding a full horn section in 2023 sparked a shift toward a more groove-oriented, Crusaders-meets-Steely-Dan aesthetic - deep pocket, joyful energy, and sophisticated arrangements shaped by Sample’s writing.”
“Whether performing as an intimate duo or as a soaring full band—complete with a powerful horn section and a rhythm crew whose members have backed Van Morrison, Tom Cochrane, and k.d. lang—they captivate audiences with their world-class live show.”
New Videos!
Wild Blue Herons debuted their band with horns at the Anvil Theatre on January 30th, 2024. They play groove-oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (Jazz Crusaders, Dr Music) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz, in particular Nancy Wilson. Subscribe to stay on top of new videos.
About WBH
Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the sophisticated, groove-oriented jazz and funk ensemble fronted by the acclaimed husband-and-wife musical team, Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper. Their sound embraces a broad spectrum, from infectious, groove-oriented jazz/funk with a pop/gospel twist, to powerful, intimate ballads.
Have a Listen
Enjoy this Wild Blue Herons original work, "Don't Listen to the Devil" as heard on their first CD On the Outside. "A little bit jazzy, a whole lot funky, with smoking vocals and a stellar group of musicians who know what to play and how to play it"
Gigs
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"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 everyone on stage and unique but very musical and thoughtful arrangements on every song!!
The album doesn’t disappoint at all and is a perfect reflection of who they are live – If you get a chance – please give them a listen – you will thank me."
