Original score from the 2024 documentary film directed by Justin Schein and Robert Edwards, produced by Shadowbox Films (USA).

THE STORY: An exploration of a wealthy man’s obsessive refusal to pay taxes, serving as a case study on the costlier ramifications of America’s tax benefits for the rich.

THE SCORE: “Composing the original score for Death & Taxes presented me with some daunting creative challenges, as well as some exciting opportunities. Director Justin Schein knew from the beginning that he wanted a jazz-based score for this film, and he got me involved in the process early on. I’ve often employed jazz elements in my scores, but I’ve rarely had the chance to fully develop themes that are firmly rooted in the spirit of live performance. For Death & Taxes, I brought in the wonderful horn soloists I’ve been lucky to work with on previous scores, but I also had the good fortune of working with some incredibly talented musicians for the first time. Justin had largely temp-scored his documentary with the music of legendary (and intimidating) jazz masters, and while I took immense inspiration from this, I also knew that I would need to come up with an original score that had a live- performance feel, while also serving the varied dramatic and narrative needs of the film. Live drum kit was essential to the feel, and I had two fabulous drummers performing the initial takes before blending in my own percussion flavors. I also used three different pianists on the score (including myself), and recorded with various piano sources – from my 100 year-old Baldwin upright, to my co-orchestrator William V. Malpede’s pristine Steinway grand.” – Bobby Johnston

THE COMPOSER: Bobby Johnston is a Los Angeles-based film composer and multi-instrumentalist. His composing credits include original scores for directors Stuart Gordon, Larry Clark, Charlie Kaufman, Lee Shallat-Chemel, Drake Doremus, and Darren Lynn Bousman. In 2016, his score to the documentary City of Gold was placed on several “best of” lists, including Apple/iTunes’ 25 Best Soundtrack Albums of the Year (#13), and Nylon Magazine’s 8 Best Movie Scores of the Year (Summer, 2016). Johnston has composed original music for film, television, commercials, museum exhibits, and major theme parks (San Diego Zoo). His music has also been featured extensively on the popular radio program This American Life. Johnston’s recent credits include the acclaimed documentaries Bleed Out (HBO) and Shopping Cart People, for which his original score garnished several festival awards.

RB250027 DEATH & TAXES (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Music Composed by BOBBY JOHNSTON
Release date: July 4, 2025