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); Steve Hilliam (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

From its roots of field songs and spirituals to its development into blues, jazz, R&B etc., Gospel music has been used as a herald of social justice and civil rights, for unifying and connecting people and as a powerful platform to let one’s ‘voice’ be heard. It is some of the most inspirational and electrifying music to arise from North America! This workshop will focus on presenting and experiencing Gospel music as an empowering force for overcoming adversity and oppression… and moving to an unbridled expression of joy and personal empowerment.

Marcus, Bill and Darlene will be doing an all day workshop with the students at Burnaby Central High School. Marcus will tell his stories of growing up in the US deep south and how music gave and still gives the Afro-American people hope and community during times of injustice, slavery and racism. We will explore how singing together can unite us all and bring joy in the midst of trial.

We will teach songs in the Gospel style and the students will participate in a concert that evening.

If you are interested in hosting a workshop please contact us at : https://www.marcusmoselymusic.com/workshops/

Thursday, February 20, 2025

• 6:30 PM 8:30 PM

• Corner Stone Bistro (map)

• Google Calendar ICS

The Renaissance woman, Jane Mortifee is returning once again to Cornerstone Bistro. Her powerhouse and emotional vocals will move you deeply. Jane’s long time musical director, Bill Sample, will be playing keys and singing BGs. Darlene Cooper will also be singing BGs (background vocals).

Jane has not just one but two CDs which were released in 2024. She will be singing selections from these as well as songs from her other CDs.

Be sure to reserve early as this event sells out very quickly.

For reservations: https://www.cornerstone-bistro.com/livemusic

The illustrious Jane Mortifee will be performing songs from her recent two CDs and more! Jane is known for her powerful and emotion-filled vocals. She deeply moves and inspires her listeners. Jane has performed as a guest soloist on numerous television and live musical specials such as the Canada Day Special, The David Foster Special, and as an opening act for Bob Newhart at Expo ’86. She was a regular background singer on the Tom Jones, Paul Anka, and Rolf Harris TV series. She has also performed in many solo concerts, as well as in various club bands over the years. A career highlight for Jane was singing background vocals for Ray Charles.

This will be a two album release concert at the Herons Nest House! In the last two years, Jane has recorded “Just Here, Just Now, Just Enough” and “Lullabies for You” with Bill Sample.

Jane will be accompanied by her longtime musical director, Bill Sample. Darlene Cooper and he will be singing background vocals.

To Reserve your place for this intimate house concert, please send $35 to either:

1. an e-Transfer to bill.sample67@icloud.com

2. pay via credit card by this square link: https://square.link/u/SW4WmOt6

Bring your own beverage. Glasses and a small snack will be provided.

*No Wheelchair access

*There are stairs down to the concert space

Parking: Please park in a visitor stall across from the house. If full, there are numerous stalls around the complex on each road and at the Community building.

Directions from Heritage Mountain Road: Drive up Heritage Mountain Blvd. and turn left onto Parkside Dr. Then, you take an immediate left (very first driveway) into the Treetops Complex. The road is 101 Parkside Dr. You follow the windy road to the bottom and take the last left, Then, immediately bear right and we are right across from the parking stalls on the right - Unit #154.

We are looking forward to returning with Marcus Mosely to Northwoods United Church for their February 2nd Jazz Vespers! Here is the info from Northwoods:

We are delighted to welcome back, Gospel singer Marcus Mosely. https://www.marcusmoselymusic.com/ Marcus grew up immersed in the music and culture of the Gospel tradition.  He moved to Vancouver in 1985 and became a Canadian citizen in 2008. In 2016, he was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Marcus is joined by the Wild Blue Herons. https://www.wildblueherons.com/  They are a magnetic husband-and-wife duo of Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.

Please attend, bring a friend, and share within your networks (there is an attached PDF if that is helpful) 

Jazz Vespers in the Valley starts at 3:30pm.

Typically, our services last for an hour, and in Northwood fashion, we offer a time of conversation over home baked goods prior to Vespers. 

The Jazz Vespers service provides a time where jazz meets the Spirit in a time of reflection and prayer. The suggested donation is $10, or pay-what-you can.

Deep Cove Coffeehouse is pleased to host and headline the fabulous powerhouse singer, Jane Mortifee, on January 17th, 2025. Jane will be accompanied by her long time musical director, the incomparable, Bill Sample. Darlene Cooper, will be joining them and singing background vocals.

The Deep Cove Coffeehouse features an opening act and a headliner and the $20 cash at the door fee also includes baked goodies and coffee.

Wild Blue Herons With Horns are returning to Frankie’s Jazz Club, Vancouver’s premiere jazz club … always a great vibe, great food and great live music! They will be performing their groove oriented jazz with a funky/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and the Crusaders). WBH will be sharing some of the music they are recording this Fall. The band is: Bill Sample (piano), Darlene Cooper (lead vocals), Miles Foxx Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums), Tom Keenlyside (saxes and flute) and subbing for Jim Hopson is Dennis Essen on trombone

Be sure to reserve early as they fill up quickly!

The Wild Blue Herons are returning to Jazz Evensong at Brentwood! Bill and Darlene will be joined by the amazing Tim Porter on guitar. We are looking forward to sharing an more intimate acoustic version of our songs.

Brian Fraser has been such an enthusiastic promoter and encourager of the jazz community and is so generous in opening his space of grace to musicians! We are grateful to be back at Brentwood and share our music for this one hour journey.

By Donation

Wild Blue Herons are thrilled to be part of Season 3 of the Inlet Theatre Music Series in Port Moody!

This is our biggest band yet! We will have the amazing horn section of Steve Hilliam (saxes) and Jim Hopson (trombone) as well as the fabulous Tim Porter on guitar and Jane Mortifee on background vocals! Rounding out the rhythm section will be - Bill Sample (keys); Miles Foxx Hill (bass); Randall Stoll (drums) and featuring Darlene Cooper on lead vocals

We’ll be playing a bit of jazz, a bit of funk, some moving ballads and lots of groove. We’ve got a new recording brewing and will be performing some new songs and arrangements from this upcoming project!

The beautiful Inlet Theatre has lots of free parking and is just 5 minutes from Skytrain.

Herons Nest House Concerts presents Marcus Mosely and the Wild Blue Herons performing an intimate evening of inspiring music from gospel/blues to soul/jazz! They will be accompanied by Bill Sample on piano and Tim Porter on guitar.

Bring your own beverage! We will supply glasses and a small snack. Doors will open at 7 pm and you can enjoy your beverage before the concert or during the intermission. Concert begins at 7:30 pm.

The house is in the Treetops complex and there are visitor parking stalls out front or down the road on either side.

Suggested donation is $35.00 to reserve your spot. You can donate either by the link below or the QR code on the attached poster. Reservations are required.

https://square.link/u/wyyXYMtb

For more info please email: heronsnest88@gmail.com

*Not Wheelchair accessible. There are stairs to the concert space

The fabulous and powerful singer, Jane Mortifee, will be returning to the cozy Cornerstone Bistro in North Vancouver accompanied by Bill Sample (piano and background vocals) and Darlene Cooper (background vocals).

This concert is always a sell out so reserve early!

Dinner and live music!

Reservations required: CALL 604-990-3602

Bill and Darlene will be playing some of their Great Ladies of Jazz repertoire with a couple of their own tunes thrown in. It will be an afternoon of much loved jazz standards.

They will be performing in the spacious Dining room overlooking the beautiful gardens and fountain at the Chartwell Renaissance Retirement Living Residence in Langley.

Wild Blue Herons with Horns! will be performing at the Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival this July as part of the free jazz concerts outside of the Fort Langley Community Centre. We will be bringing the funky groove and the horns to this year’s festival.

Band: Bill Sample (keys/vocals); Darlene Cooper (lead vocals); Miles Foxx Hill (bass); Randall Stoll (drums); Tom Keenlyside (saxes and flute); Jim Hopson (trombone)

Jazz Workshop at Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival:

Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper will be sharing their approach to working together as a professional musical team.  They will discuss how their partnership relies on trust, respect with a bit of ‘dive and float’ thrown in.  Focusing on the relationship between vocalist and accompanist they will talk about how to create magnetic story telling through the music and arrangements with an end goal of giving the listener a beautiful experience.

Bill has a wealth of experience as a music director, keyboard player, producer, composer/arranger.  He was the musical director for David Foster, opened for Oscar Peterson and worked with Ray Charles and many other great musicians.  Darlene is seasoned singer, vocal conductor, composer/arranger and music educator.  She was the choral conductor plus composed and arranged for the Marcus Mosely Chorale and she designed and directed the Institute of Music Ministry programs.  Together, Bill and Darlene are a dynamic team. 

Cooper and Sample’s close attentive listening and interactions result in a beautiful, sensitive jazz release recorded and produced to high standards. They make it all sound so easy!

-        Tiina Kiik (The Whole Note)

 There is always something fascinating about meeting couples that are a good match - in art and love. I believe that singer Darlene Cooper and pianist Bill Sample are such a couple / match…the interplay the two perform and demonstrate is so pronouncedly sensual, beautiful and intimate.

-        Ivan Rod (Danish Journalist and Music Critic)

 Pure emotion throughout, they bring all the tools they need to give you a full on listening experience that sizzles deceptively – Chris Spector (Midwest Records)

 a listener delights in Cooper’s beautiful vocals and Sample’s empathic support…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)

Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) and Jane Mortifee will each be performing a set in this lovely garden setting at the home of Don and Roxie Giles. These outdoor concerts have become favourite summer time events as patrons enjoy reserved seating, food, beverages, the beauty of the garden and, of course, great music.

You bring your own appetizers and beverage of choice and they supply the chairs and glasses.

Tickets and info: roxiemusic2017@gmail.com

Be sure to book early as these concerts are limited seating and usually sell out.

Wild Blue Herons quartet will be returning to North Vancouver for Jazz Vespers at St Andrew’s United Church. Join us for a one hour journey of jazz and musings with Rev Judith Hardcastle.

By Donation

Wild Blue Herons are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of BC Entertainment Hall of Famer, Bill Sample, and Darlene Cooper.  Adding horns to their line up, namely Tom Keenlyside on tenor sax and Jim Hopson on trombone, they will be playing 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.  Rounding out the band will be Miles Foxx Hill on bass and Randall Stoll on drums.  Collectively, this team of musicians has played with everyone from Ray Charles to Celine Dion.

“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

“Cooper and Sample have produced a winner with You & I” – Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz

Wild Blue Herons bring their jazz/gospel groove of select standards and original tunes to the Golden Ears United Church Jazz Vespers on Sunday February 25th at 4 pm. This is one hour of jazz music, readings, and spoken prayer to lift your spirits. 

Hosted by Leenane Shiels.

by donation

Wild Blue Herons are getting a bit funky and adding horns in the style of the Crusaders (Jazz Crusaders). We are excited to premiere a few new songs as well as new versions of older tunes with Bill’s horn arrangements.

Tom Keenlyside (tenor sax) and Jim Hopson (trombone) will be joining the band:

Bill Sample (keys/vocals); Miles Foxx Hill (bass), Randall Stoll (drums) and Darlene Cooper (lead vocals)

Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz. Formed in 2017, Wild Blue Herons perform as a duo or as a full band complete with horns at times 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).

The group has been featured with such artists as Eric Bibb, Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Chorale, Shari Ulrich, Jane Mortifee and debuted their show, “The Great Ladies of Jazz”, at the historic Columbia Theatre in New Westminster, BC, in 2019.   Facilitating live music to their area is important to them as “it brings joy and vibrancy to the soul of the community. Music brings us together and helps us to focus on what unites us a humans … we need more of this in these times of division throughout the world.”

Piva Presents Jazz at the Anvil

Marcus Mosely and the Wild Blue Herons will be bringing their Gospel and Jazz sounds to Jazz Vespers in the City! This trio directed the Marcus Mosely Chorale for 11 years and they have been leading Gospel/Soul Vocal workshops for the past 8 years as well as performing together. Their music is soul stirring and heart moving.

The one hour Jazz Vespers will be led by Dr. Ross Johnson who will give thoughtful ponderings between the musical offerings.

By donation

C'mon out to our Christmas(ish) house concert on Dec 10th!

Starring: 

Darlene Cooper - vocals

Bill Sample - piano

Tracy Moar - vocals

Guest starring: Darcy White - bass

Admission by donation (suggested $25)

trace will be performing the songs that she recorded with Bill for an upcoming album, many of which she wrote. trace and Darlene will be performing some songs together and Wild Blue Herons (Bill and Darlene) will perform a few of their tunes. The themes will be Christmas inspired!

Bring your own beverage - amuse-bouche by chef Carole Moar

Space is limited so you MUST RSVP to 

tracymaye18@gmail.com 

to reserve your spot and collect the address!!

Come Feel the Joy on December 8! Tickets are on sale now!

Join Marcus Mosely, along with the Ensemble, for a festive evening which will include some holiday favourites, some songs in the good old Gospel tradition filled with soulful gospel tunes, that Marcus does so well! All brought to life by the incredible talents of Bill Sample (piano), Randall Stoll (drums), Norm Fisher (bass) and Darlene Cooper (vocal conductor)

Date: December 8, 2023

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Highlands United

255 Edgemont Blvd, N. Vancouver

Tickets $35 and are available at www.marcusmoselymusic.com/events

Don't let this festive celebration pass you by. It's the perfect way to ignite your Holiday spirit. Share the joy with your loved ones - we can't wait to see you there!

Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Ensemble (MME) will be performing a special Christmas Show in Gibsons BC, at High Beam Dreams venue.

Musical Director and pianist, Bill Sample, will be accompanying them and Darlene Cooper will be conducting.

Join us for the this concert!

The Rogue Folk Club is hosting this concert:

Join us for the official CD launch of Jane Mortifee's new album 'Just Here Just Now Just Enough' produced by Bill Sample, mixed and mastered by Miles Foxx Hill.

She will be joined by the talented musicians who were the music makers on this project:

Bill Sample on keyboards and piano and background vocals, Miles Foxx Hill on bass, Tim Porter on guitar, Randall Stoll on drums, Tom Keenlyside on sax and Darlene Cooper on background vocals. Jane did the official launch for her last CD on the St James Hall stage 14 years ago. She’s happy to be back!

Jane Mortifee is returning to Cornerstone Bistro along with musical director and pianist, Bill Sample. Darlene Cooper will be joining them on background vocals. Jane will be singing songs from her new CD “Just Here Just Now Just Enough” in addition to many audience favourites. Be ready to laugh, cry and have your soul warmed.

Enjoy dinner as you listen to Jane in this intimate space.

Reservations are required: call 604-990-3602

Wild Blue Herons are excited to return once again to Frankie’s Jazz club - this time with a quintet! They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz.

The band will be:

Bill Sample (piano and vocals) Darlene Cooper (lead vocals) Miles Foxx Hill (bass) Randall Stoll (drums) Tim Porter (guitar).

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and great music!

Make your reservations early.

Jane Mortifee will be singing songs from her brand new album (produced by Bill Sample) in an intimate setting of a house concert in Vancouver. She will be accompanied by Bill on (piano, BG vocals) and Darlene Cooper (BG vocals).

Cost is $35. Send an e-Transfer to: info@janemortifee.com (be sure to put name in memo)

Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. See poster below for more details.

Jane has been active in theatre, film, television and the studios doing voice-overs, jingles, and animated series for over thirty years. She has been nominated for an Actra Award and three Jessie Awards for her work in ‘John Gray’s Rock and Roll’ and ‘Don Messer’s Jubilee’ and Ann Mortifee’s ‘Reflections on Crooked Walking’. She was also a member of the cast of many theatrical productions and made many appearances on television in ‘Neon Rider’, ’21 Jump Street’, ‘Danger Bay’, ‘Airwolf’, as well as mini-series and feature films including the acclaimed ‘My American Cousin’. In addition, this 'Renaissance' woman is also an author - having published her first novel, "Out of the Fire", and currently finishing her 2nd book.

Jane's first love, however, is singing and she has performed as a guest soloist on numerous television and live musical specials such as the Canada Day Special, The David Foster Special, and as an opening act for Bob Newhart at Expo ’86. She was a regular background singer on the Tom Jones, Paul Anka, and Rolf Harris TV series. She has also performed many solo concerts, as well as in various club bands over the years. A career highlight for Jane was singing background vocals for Ray Charles.