Take Five with King Llama

Meet King Llama:

Los Angeles-based King Llama has carved a bold lane in the modern jazz-fusion landscape, blending the fire of progressive rock with the soul of improvisation. Founded by guitarist and composer Ryan Tanner Bailey, the band quickly gained attention for its fearless mix of intricate time signatures, fluid guitar textures, and a rhythm section that bridges funk, Latin, and jam-band energy. Alongside drummer Luis Briones, bassist Anthony Crawford, and guitarist Billy Paulsen, King Llama has expanded from a musical trio to a powerhouse ensemble with international appeal. Their 2015 debut Return to Ox introduced a raw, adventurous spirit, while their 2024 release Fata Implexis—produced with legendary fusion producer Dennis MacKay—showcases a more expansive and cinematic vision. Their new release in 2025 Jump Ship exemplifies their abilities to improvise music that is cinematic without limitations. Hailed by progressive and jazz outlets alike, King Llama embodies the spirit of experimentation, refusing to be confined by genre labels, while channeling the urgency and freedom that define today's fusion movement.

Instruments:

Guitars, drums, bass.

Teachers and/or influences?

King Llama's influences include classical legends like Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven on one hand. On the jazz side, the band's influences are broad and include big band great Count Basie, jazz guitarist extraordinaire George Benson, and Panamanian American jazz drummer Billy Cobham.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

The first time we each picked up an instrument and played live. When you play live, there's always many more things going on, so it's always exciting! There will be random moments, which will hopefully be happy accidents rather than learning experiences, and everyone always has a fun time, regardless. Also, it is fun to improve the performance the more you play. The live stage is like its own rehearsal room, and it is an evolving process, which keeps it fun.

Your sound and approach to music:

We approach music as an experience in the moment. It's like pure storytelling. It happens naturally when you spend time with people who tune in to your vibe or wave. We tune in to one another each time we have a conversation and then translate that into musical expression that forms into a song. Our new release, Jump Ship, is a perfect example of exploring sound. So, there is a unique story behind this particular release. Jump Ship is part of an actual Sci-Fi Odyssey story, and is a musical adventure representing an action moment toward the end of the tale, in deep space, with our hero, Cap'n Mustard Hair.

Your teaching approach:

We think the best way to teach is to continue to create music as a band. Music that hopefully inspires others to want to explore their own inner gifts in music.

Your dream band:

We say this humbly as creative artists. Our dream band is us staying the course as a band. Longevity is an amazing experience as a band because we each grow and evolve as unique people at the same time. We've been around for over 12 years, but we've evolved. We used to be a little simple trio. Our new work is more produced, with featured players, multiple guitar lines, some strings and other creative elements. We allow ourselves to grow and change while the essence of the music is the same.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

Jazz is in a great space today. Today's sound represents modern innovation led by pure self-expression, especially for artists. The notes of each new song are subjective and free-form. We stay open to new sonic ideas each time we explore creating a new song. Our new release Jump Ship is an exploration of artistic freedom. The feel of the track and the unique poly melodies and rhythms really inspire the jazz and fusion in us, and those moments that release into those heavy funk parts just feel really good to play. Creating those funky sections was a certain special moment for us, as we all collaborated the ideas to achieve that...

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

When you write or play, be yourself. Express yourself without expectations. Explore what is inside of you as you write and play. You will discover something new each time.

What message would you like to share with fans?

There is more to King Llama than you think... a fantastical journey awaits the patient fandom.

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