The "Music Bass" of Robert Birch

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By Brett Ratner

R obert Birch had a stroke of luck about four years ago.

Guy Babalon, longtime friend and keyboard player with Elton John said that E.J. had an opening for a bassist. Birch was lucky enough to get the gig, but we all know that "luck" means being prepared for an opportunity before that opportunity arises.

Birch had already been a member of several acts to garner major record deals. None of those bands ever hit the big time, but Birch's musical style of playing was poised and ready to make it once the opportunity arose. "I like music bass," Birch said simply. "Of course I love Jaco. I love that stuff, but I love to play songs more." Birch says that it sounds like a clichi, but simple really is better when it comes to getting the cool gigs on bass.

"Simple is really hard to do, a lot of players want to just wail," Birch said.

Since joining up with Elton, Birch has played live with the likes of Eric Clapton and Billy Joel as well as recorded on a project produced by the legendary "fifth Beatle," George Martin. Birch can also be heard on the Double Platinum Elton album Made In England. Birch credits his recent success to his influences.

"I'm influenced by bass that you've heard on the radio, proper pop bass," Birch said, mentioning players like Motown legend James Jamerson and Duck Dunn of Staxx Records and later Blues Brothers fame.

Incorporating the style of these legendary players works well with Elton John, who , according to Birch, is simply another great musician.

"He's a great guy, he's just a player like me who got lucky and got to be famous," Birch said, clarifying the definition of lucky.

"He can write hit songs in 20 minutes. He's incredible, the shit just flows out of his fingers," Birch said. "It takes a great melody and chord structure and he's got it."

Birch contends that Elton John is one of, if not the best songwriter in history, and his 25 years of success serves as testament to this. But Birch notes that even if an equal talent were in existence today, the record industry would prevent him or her from repeating such a feat.

"The industry doesn't want longevity in artists, they want a group to be popular for a couple of years and replace them with someone else," Birch said. "That way they don't have to pay the artists as much, it's sad."

Nonetheless, Birch and his fellow E.J. backup musicians are making a go of it in their down time with a band called Warpipes. They are enjoying moderate sales in Europe and are seeking American distribution. In keeping with the music they play with Elton John, they like to play songs.

"It's pop/rock with a little bit of country crossover," Birch said. It's not grunge, it's kindof like songs."