Local band Illa Zilla makes triumphant post-pandemic return to Folly
By Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
After a long year and a half with little-to-no live music, local band Illa Zilla will be supplying the local music scene with healthy dosages of original funk, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll injected with Afrobeat sounds, as well as classic covers ranging from blues to soul and pop tunes. Music fans should be happy to see them back on Folly Beach when they take the stage at Chico Feo on Saturday, July 17.
A tribe of talented artists, Illa Zilla rocks a sound guided by funk and jazz but they make it all their own. Bassist Shawn Beckner has been influenced highly by Afrobeat sounds and guitarist Mike Miller jams progressive jazz something along the lines of John Schofield. “At the end of the day, we just want to have fun playing together,” says Beckner. Their contagious sound will have you feeling Ill-a Zilla but music is the best medicine for whatever funk you may be in.
Percussionist Karl Anderson and saxophone player Andy Masker played previously with Beckner in the local funk band Magic Bronson. Masker also accompanies the band on keyboards, synth and an electronic wind instrument. Trumpet player Patrick Marzett met Masker while playing in Emerald Empire Band, a big brass and funk outfit who toured up and down the Eastern seaboard.
The five musicians started messing around in 2018 but the band didn’t start taking their music seriously until last year, in the midst of a global pandemic. The state of the world inspired Shawn to write the song “Nature Is Scary,” a tune that rocks an eerie vibe to a South African beat. The track “Feed The Soul” sends a message of a wise mantra to help guide you through tough times. It’s a hearty song written to encourage listeners to fill their head and soul with tasty tunes. “Free Range” features spacey synth with a surf rock guitar sound to give a chill, island vibe against a jazzy saxophone.
The band puts their own spin on The Beatles “Daytripper” and Orgone’s “Open Season.” Illa Zilla is also known to put their own spin on covers by The Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Brothers Johnson, Lettuce, Polyeurithmics, Robert Glasper, Thelonius, Monk, and Menahan Street Band.
At Tobin Market’s Mardis Gras Party, Illa Zilla marched in a second line from Jackson Square to Nassau and all along the surrounding streets accompanied by extra horns, a trombone, and even a sousaphone. Sol Driven Train Trombone player Ward Buckheister joined them in line.
“That was the busiest Tuesday we’ve ever had! They’re a bunch of super-talented musicians who play well together,” says Paul Joliet, music coordinator for Tobin’s Market.
“They’re good friends, we love to host and support them doing their thing. .. they have great energy,” says Danny May, Tobin Market owner and operator.
As cool as playing in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Beckner and the rest of the band are excited to return home to perform on the outdoor stage at Chico Feo this month.
“I like to play places where I like to hang out,” says Beckner.
