Wild Blue Herons with Horns are fronted by the husband-and-wife musical team of Bill Sample (BC Entertainment Hall of Fame), and Darlene Cooper. Bill Sample was the musical director and keyboard player for the legendary David Foster. He has played with Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins to name just a few, plus he opened for Oscar Peterson and was one of Diana Krall’s piano teachers in University. Darlene has built a reputation as an engaging jazz/soul/gospel singer, educator, choral conductor and composer/arranger. She has worked with Eric Bibb, Dee Daniels, Marcus Mosely, Shari Ulrich, Jane Mortifee and Leon Bibb.

The other members of this band have played with Van Morrison, Tom Cochrane, Colin James, k.d. lang and more.

The full band on Friday, March 7th is as follows: Bill Sample (keys/vocals); Darlene Cooper (vocals/percussion); Miles Foxx Hill (bass); Randall Stoll (drums); Tom Keenl (tenor sax); Jim Hopson (trombone); Tim Porter (guitar); and a special guest on background vocals, Jane Mortifee

The Wild Blue Herons will be playing a bit of jazz, a bit of funk, some moving ballads and lots of groove (reminiscent of the Jazz Crusaders, Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway). They have a new recording brewing and will be performing some new songs and arrangements from this upcoming project!

“Pure emotion… a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

“The interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.” – Ivan Rod, Danish Music Critic

"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