Electric & Stand-up Bass: Phillip W. Conti

Phil was born in 1961, and was raised in Barstow, CA. He grew up in the restaurant business, as his parents owned and operated a restaurant and cocktail lounge where he also worked. The bands that played at the lounge, sometimes including Phillip's brother Paul, were a large influence in his decision to become a musician.
 
Growing up, Phillip played a variety of instruments, including the violin, keyboards, and guitar, until finding his niche with the electric bass. Phillip had the great fortune to have studied under Colgan Bryan, a Guitar Institute of Technology graduate.

When Phillip moved to Riverside, CA. in 1984 to manage his uncle's restaurant, which he did for over 18 years, he had been playing bass in various country and rock bands. Years later, while playing in a band called Bullseye, which also eventually included Sean Clavin, (fellow current High Riders bandmate) they met Dom Calvano, who was (and is) the High Riders drummer. Dom invited the both of them to join The High Riders.
Accepting the offer, this has brought about the biggest change in Phillip's musical career: recording, traveling all over the country with the High Riders and meeting new people has been very exciting and rewarding for Phillip. The move to Branson, MO. in 2003, with his long time soul mate Kaz, has opened up a whole new chapter in his life and career.