Gaylord G. Birch (March 10, 1946 – April 14, 1996) was an American drummer for the bands Santana, Graham Central Station, Cold Blood, Pointer Sisters and Herbie Hancock.
[1] Birch also appeared in the band Santana during 1976 and again in 1991, as well as playing the drums for a number of Herbie Hancock performances.
In 1979, he joined Merl Saunders & Jerry Garcia in Reconstruction, a band which also included Ed Neumeister (trombone), Ron Stallings (tenor sax & vocals) and John Kahn (bass).
The only traces remaining are live recordings made in Bay Area's clubs and small venues.
In the early 1970s Birch also played for Graham Central Station, Melissa Ethridge and recorded with Santana and Stevie Wonder.