EP70: The Versatile Bassist Chris Riggenbach

EP70: The Versatile Bassist Chris Riggenbach

December 19, 2025 · 17 min · Episode 71

About this episode

Bassist Chris Riggenbach discusses his versatile music career and his role as an educator.

Through 20-something years of his post-graduate professional music career, Bassist Chris Riggenbach has compiled an impressive resume based on his versatility. Playing cello as a youngster, he graduated to electric bass in high school, then in college took on upright bass in order to play with jazz combos. His versatility has found him in everything from orchestras for musicals to jazz trios touring Europe, and includes 10 years on cruise ships backing a host of celebrity performers as well as leading his own jazz trios. Like so many accomplished musicians, Chris gives back to the community as an educator, currently teaching jazz bass and directing jazz combos at Atlanta's Emory University and Oglethorpe University. His goals for his future: keep refining his craft and keep sharing the joy of music with audiences and fellow musicians.

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Bales

Guest: Chris Riggenbach

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Emory University, Oglethorpe University

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