A Very Fine Review:

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

Media Release
For immediate release
November 10, 2015

Bill Sample Returns to Jazz Roots with Release of small

(Vancouver) This week noted Canadian pianist and composer Bill Sample released his first original jazz trio album titled small.

Bill Sample is noted for his decades-long career as an award winning session pianist, composer, musical director and arranger. The release of small marks a return to his jazz roots – a period that awarded him Most Influential Jazz Musician 1950-1979 by Victoria’s arts community.

“This album has been a long time in the making,” remarked Sample. “Even though I have played on and produced hundreds of session, going into the studio with great musicians – Rene Worst on bass and Buff Allen on drums – to record my own compositions was both exhilarating and nerve wracking but I am thrilled with the result!”

Influenced by jazz greats including Dave Grusin and Vince Guaraldi, small is a collection of Sample’s tunes over a few decades. “My background as a songwriter comes into play on small,” commented Sample. “I think these tunes have a lyrical quality that tends to define my style as a player and composer.”

Sample’s friend, the great blues musician and songwriter, Eric Bibb, encouraged him to head into the studio to record small and then offered to write the liner notes.

“I first met Bill many years ago when he began working with my dad, Leon Bibb. Singers like my dad, whose repertoire covers a wide range of styles, from spirituals to work songs to show tunes, require players with huge musical vocabularies.  As soon as I heard Bill, I knew my dad had hit the jackpot.

In the years since, I’ve had many opportunities to play with Bill onstage and in the studio. His music brain is simultaneously playing, arranging and responding – it’s always a great pleasure and an education to work with him.

With small you’re in for a treat and a trip to Bill’s musical roots and beyond with this timeless album of original music.”

Eric Bibb, from small liner notes

small was recorded live earlier this year at Jim Woodyard’s Burnaby studio, Creation Sound, and mastered by Craig Waddell at Gotham City Studio.

small is available for sale online at billsamplemusic.com, on CD Baby and at select music stores in Vancouver including:

Highlife Records at 1317 Commercial Drive
Red Cat Records at 4332 Main Street
Neptoon Records at 3561 Main Street

The upcoming release concerts is as follows:

When: Friday, December 18, 2015 from 7pm – 10pm  
Where: Pat’s Pub and Brewhouse, 403 E Hastings Street, Vancouver  

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Bill Sample Short Bio 2015 [PDF]
For more information or interviews contact:

bill.sample67@icloud.com