Press Release
Wild Blue Herons to release third album.
The husband-and-wife team of Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper - known collectively as Wild Blue Herons - return in 2026 with It’s All About Love, a soulful, groove-driven set of original music shaped by a lifetime of shared artistry. Blending jazz, funk, gospel and contemporary pop influences, the band’s third album captures the expansive sound they’ve honed on festival stages and club dates across Canada.
It’s All About Love is set for release on February 14th, 2026.
Excerpt
Full Biography
Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the sophisticated, groove-oriented jazz and funk ensemble fronted by the acclaimed husband-and-wife musical team, Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). Their sound embraces a broad spectrum, from infectious, groove-oriented jazz/funk with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample’s Crusaders and Steely Dan) to powerful, intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.
Keyboardist and vocalist Bill Sample, an inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, brings legendary experience, having served as the musical director and keyboard player for David Foster and performed alongside icons like Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins, and even opened for Oscar Peterson. Darlene Cooper is renowned as an engaging jazz, soul, and gospel singer, educator, and composer, having collaborated with artists such as Eric Bibb, Dee Daniels, and Leon Bibb.
“The interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” (Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic)
Whether performing as an intimate duo or as a full band complete with horns and featuring top session players who have worked with Van Morrison, Tom Cochrane, Colin James and k.d. lang, Wild Blue Herons deliver a world-class live show. 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.
“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)
Anticipation is building for their brand new album of original funky jazz tunes, "It's All About Love," set for release in February 2026. The album will be available in Vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
In 2017, 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”. The album, featuring a full band with horns, paid homage to their wide ranging music influences with all original songs but one.
Their second musical adventure, “You & I” (released November 2021) is an intimate and personal collection of jazz standards, with their own love story woven into the fabric of this album. Recorded in their home studio during the 2020/21 lockdown, the album displays two musicians with both skill and sensitivity; Bill’s mastery as an accompanist shines through whilst Darlene’s classy phrasing tells the stories. This duo album was released in CD and Vinyl and the cover features the artwork of Canadian artist, Joe Average. The art piece is appropriately titled “Unconditional Love” which is their mantra for life.
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.
“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)
Full Bio / Music Samples / Videos / Photos / Quotes / Reviews & Interviews
Short Biographies
(52 Word Count)
Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the sophisticated, groove-oriented jazz and funk ensemble fronted by the acclaimed husband-and-wife musical team, Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). Their sound embraces a broad spectrum, from infectious, groove-oriented jazz/funk with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample’s Crusaders and Steely Dan) to powerful, intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.
(129 Word Count)
Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). Formed in 2017, WBH performs as a duo or as a full band complete with horns and 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 - Vancouver; Hermann’s Jazz Club - Victoria, Jazz Bistro - Toronto, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few). Mirroring their personal life, their co-working showcases a kinship and spark as they write from their own life experiences of love and loss but also a mutual concern for equality, love and compassion around the globe. (eg. Stop the Madness, It’s All About Love, If You Fall). Learn more at www.wildblueherons.com
(142 Word Count)
Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the sophisticated, groove-oriented jazz and funk ensemble fronted by the acclaimed husband-and-wife musical team, Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). Their sound embraces a broad spectrum, from infectious, groove-oriented jazz/funk with a pop/gospel twist to powerful, intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.
Bill’s emotional, playful and meticulous accompaniment added to Darlene’s “rich stunning vocals, where every note is delivered flawlessly” (Tom Haugen, Take Effect ) create a warm and mesmerizing synergy.
“The interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” (Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic)
Whether performing as an intimate duo or as a full band complete with horns and featuring top session players who have worked with Van Morrison, Tom Cochrane, Colin James and k.d. lang, Wild Blue Herons deliver a world-class live show. Learn more at www.wildblueherons.com
Wild Blue Herons with Horns
(46 words)
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.
(65 words)
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.” Collectively, this team of musicians has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Celine Dion.
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.”
“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. “
(134 words)
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. “
Videos
Wild Blue Herons debuted their band with horns at the Anvil Theatre on January 30th, 2024. This is a selection of clips from that evening.
Darlene Cooper (lead vocals), Bill Sample (piano/organ/vocals), Miles Fox-Hill (bass), Bill Sample - piano, organ, vocals, Randall Stoll (drums), Tom Keenlyside (saxes and flute), Jim Hopson (trombone)
Bebop (original song) - Live at Bez Arts Hub 2025 - Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano), Miles Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums), Tim Porter (guitar), Jim Hopson (trombone), Steve Hilliam (tenor sax)
If You Fall (original song) - Recorded at home Jan 2020 - Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano/vocals)
Compared to What (cover song) - Live at Bez Arts Club 2025 - Jane Mortifee (vocals), Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano), Miles Foxx-Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums), Tim Porter(guitar), Jim Hopson (trombone), Steve Hilliam (tenor sax)
You & I Album Teaser - including live footage from Frankies Jazz Club 2021 - Darlene Cooper (lead vocals), Bill Sample (piano/vocals), Miles Fox-Hill (bass), Buff Allen (drums)
Stella by Starlight (cover) - Live at Frankie's Jazz Club 2021 - Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano), Miles Foxx-Hill (bass), Buff Allen (drums)
An Older Man Is Like An Elegant Wine (cover song) - Live at Bez Arts Hub 2025 - Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano), Miles Fox-Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums), Tim Porter (guitar), Jim Hopson (trombone), Steve Hilliam (tenor sax)
In Provence (original song) - Live at Frankie’s Jazz Club 2021 - Darlene Cooper (vocals), Bill Sample (piano), Miles Foxx-Hill (bass), Buff Allen (drums)
The Nearness of you (cover song) - Live at Frankies Jazz Club 2021 - Darlene Cooper (lead vocals), Bill Sample (piano/vocals), Miles Fox-Hill (bass), Buff Allen (drums)
Photos
Short Bios / Music Samples / Videos / Photos
Quotes & Comments
“Cooper and Sample have produced a winner with You & I”
–Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz
“The overall level of the duo’s performances is simply top-notch, resulting in a terrific vocal jazz recording”
–Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report Jan/Feb 2022
“the interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.”
–Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic
"Beautiful recording. That's what music does to a couple guided with love and passion in their career. Pleasure to listen to"
–Michel Dupuis - Son et Image - Montreal, QC
"Great music...one of my 2021 favourites. We need this music."
–Luis Cubells - 99,9% Jazz - Valencia, Spain
"Classy Album"
–Tony Hillier - Planet Jazz - Cairns, Australia
“I can hear some of these ballads teamed up with Shirley Horn, Billie Holliday, and others as we take a break to feel emotions”
–Linda Yohn – WRCJ – Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
“It’s so great to not only witness Bill and Darlene find each other, but also to watch them find a common voice through music. I’ve followed them through their growing body of work and have been very impressed with the high bar of musicianship and musical taste both when they have recorded with an amazing world class band (On the Outside recording), but also as a duo. You & I is one of my favourite songs by my all-time favourite artist Stevie Wonder, and is such an appropriate title and song. Great work. Keep it up!”
–Dane Deviller, songwriter and producer
DeViller has written and produced songs for artists such as Kelly Rowland, Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees, LFO, and Amy Grant, selling more than 45 million records worldwide.
"I was just listening to this album. It’s lovely. I think being a good accompanist is a difficult thing to do. Bill Sample makes it so simply seamless. The vocals, Darlene Cooper are full and ringing. She has beautiful enunciation…” (Dec 2nd, 2021)
–CFBX 92.5 FM - Jazz on the Rocks – host Shelley Gummeson – Kamloops BC
Reviews & Interviews
The Whole Note – You & I CD review by Tiina Kiik || view
Michael Doherty – You & I CD review || view
Take Effect – You & I CD review || view
Rhythm Changes – You & I CD review by Will Chernoff || view
Midwest Records – You & I CD review by Chris Spector || view
Citizen Jazz – You & I CD review by Gilles Gaujarengues || view
New Jersey Jazz Society // January 2022 edition – You & I CD review by Joe Lang || view
Ivan Rod – Danish Journalist & Music Critic – You & I CD review || view
Rhythm Changes Podcast with host Will Chernoff – You & I, life, memories and more || listen
Nerd Mountain Podcast with host Christy Bennett – Darlene talking about Eleanor Collins (Canada’s first lady of Jazz) || listen
Jazz and Blues Report // Issue #400 Jan/Feb 2022 – You & I CD review by Ron Weinstock
The Vancouver-based duo Wild Blue Herons are long-time collaborators turned husband-and-wife, pianist Bill Sample and vocalist Darlene Cooper. “You & I” is a collection of standards inspired by the great women of jazz. Sample has a 50 years career as an in-demand sideman and working as the musical director & keyboardist for the legendary David Foster. Cooper has a reputation as a go-to jazz singer, educator, choral conductor, and session musician. While they have worked in various settings, the present album finds the pair intimately interpreting a number of standards and two originals.
From the opening moments of “Wish I Never Met You,” a listener delights in Cooper’s beautiful vocals and Sample’s empathic support. This number is one of several songs associated with Nancy Wilson that Cooper sings here. Cooper’s phrasing and clear diction, pitch, dynamic and emotional range in her nuanced delivery of the songs are matched by her husband’s understated accompaniments. This is heard in the reflective handling of “The Nearness of You.” Sample adds organ to the piano accompaniment of Cooper’s robust singing “It Had To Be You .”
Other delights include an interpretation of the Stevie Wonder song that provides the album with its title, the original “Don’t Know How To Love You” that sounds like a song from a half-century ago, and a wonderful reading of the Buddy Johnson-penned ballad, “Save Your Love For Me.” A noteworthy track is the sterling rendition of “Here’s To Life,” based on Johnny Mandel’s arrangement, as sung by Shirley Horn. The overall level of the duo’s performances is simply top-notch, resulting in a terrific vocal jazz recording.