Bob Birch

Robert Wayne Birch (July 14, 1956 – August 15, 2012) was an American session musician, playing bass guitar as a sideman to a variety of notable artists.

At an early age, Birch was inspired to pursue music by his father Chet, an upright bassist.

Birch began playing the alto saxophone and mirroring the styles of Paul Desmond and Cannonball Adderley.

He learned quickly and was soon recognized by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association for his wins at music festival competitions.

Around seventh grade, Birch tried out the electric bass because of his fascination with the Motown sound, as well as groups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

He began playing on his junior-high band director Art Dries's Mosrite bass at lunch breaks.

Because he also had a passion for classical music, Birch focused his school studies on the bassoon.

As a senior in high school, he won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

He received a scholarship from the state of Michigan to enroll in Wayne State University in Detroit as a pre-med student.

Birch played six nights a week on the Detroit club scene while attending classes during the day.

He went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in music education and performance from Wayne State.

After graduating from college, Birch joined a band with his brother Dan and sister-in-law Martha, playing in the Detroit circuit.

While performing at lounges in local hotels, Birch met many musicians from some of the top touring bands of the time including the Doobie Brothers, George Benson, Chicago and Barry Manilow.

The conversations he had with these artists influenced his decision to move to Los Angeles for its music scene.

Birch arrived in Los Angeles in 1981 and he met saxophonist Michael Paulo at the musician's union.

Paulo invited Birch to his house to jam, where he met Akio Katsuyama, a jazz pianist from Osaka.

Katsuyama needed a bassist for his trio and hired Birch on the spot.

Katsuyama introduced Birch to the Watanabe method of jazz, and Birch helped Katsuyama with his English.

Birch continued to audition for and join every band he could, and soon he was hired for multiple recording dates.

He played on every demo that came his way, as well as playing with his long-time friend and established musician, drummer Gregg Bissonette, on a Jazzercise multi-platinum record.

In 1985, he was involved in a record deal with a band named Fortune.

Birch's good friend and mentor from Detroit, drummer Jimmy Hunter, recommended him to the band, and soon after they signed a record deal with Camel/MCA.

Their debut record with producer Kevin Beamish included the single "Stacey", on which Birch played bass and saxophone.

"Stacey" made it on the Billboard Hot 100 singles list for six straight weeks.

The record was stalled after three singles, causing Birch to need to continue looking for other opportunities.

He remained in the music scene by playing gigs every night and joining as many bands as possible.

During this time, he was able to meet and play with many L.A. musicians, including vocalist Rainey.

Later in 1985, he met keyboardist Guy Babylon.

They recorded together on Luis Cardenas's debut album, Animal Instinct, which went on to get a Grammy nomination.

They often worked together while playing with and recording for many artists.

In 1988, Babylon recommended Birch for Mark Ashton's band.

Birch joined the band, which included drummer Zak Starkey, and after a few showcases for record companies, Ashton was signed by RCA.

The debut album was recorded at A&M studios with producer Paul Rothchild and was initially highly acclaimed, but did not enjoy much commercial success.

At that time, Babylon was asked to join Elton John's band.

Because Babylon was involved with the Ashton band, he came to Birch asking what he should do.

Birch responded with "What are you waiting for?", and Babylon proceeded to leave Ashton and join Elton John.

Birch continued his search for more gigs and was hired by percussionist Bob Conti for a spot in Jose Feliciano's band.

He set off on a world tour with Feliciano which lasted four years.

In between touring dates Birch returned to Los Angeles to meet with contacts and find more gigs.

When Elton John ended his tour in 1989, Guy Babylon introduced Birch to John's longtime guitarist, Davey Johnstone.