The Richmond Avant Improv Collective (RAIC) was founded in Richmond, Virginia. All of their performances, whether live or in the studio, are improvisational in nature, sometimes structured based on mood or emotion and sometimes not. Their many styles include jazz, noise, post rock, classical, black metal, free jazz, avant garde and.. film scores.
Because of the band’s penchant and love for film music, here is a Häxan is a first volume in what will be a series focusing on scoring silent and obscure movies in the studio. The ever morphing RAIC settled on an 8 piece ensemble for this recording and spontaneously scored different sections of the movie in the studio while watching it on a big screen. No overdubs were used and the music you hear is the first take.

The 1922 classic Häxan, directed by Benjamin Christensen, has garnered cult status over the years, among cinephiles as well as surrealists and horror fans.

Recorded in 2018, released December 13, 2019. Includes digital download code!

Performers

Samuel Goff – Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Keyboards, Electronics
Abdul-Hakim Bilal – Guitar
Erik Schroeder – Alto Saxophone, Percussion, Keyboards, Sampler, Theremin, Electronics, Flute, Woodwinds
Zoe Olivia Kinney – Cello, Vocals
Laura Marina – Vocals, Keyboards, Electronics
Jimmy Ghaphery – Sopranino Saxophone, Flute, Alto Saxophone
John Priestley – Bass
Cary Ralston – Vibes, Percussion

Tracks

1. Confession   08:18

2. Witch Trials   08:44

3. Deeds Of The Devil  15:38

All tracks recorded spontaneously live along with the movie, with no overdubs on the first take, on March 3, 2018 at Etching Tin Studios.
Produced by Samuel Goff.
Mixed and mastered (April 2018 – February 2019) by Richard Schellenberg.

Cover design by moody alien, using images from the film.