DEBUT ALBUM ‘SOLDIERING ON’ OUT ON BABEL LABEL 

“it’s the incredible improvised poetry of Fini Bearman that really makes the personal storytelling of Clarkson throughout Soldiering On such a success” – bandcamp.com

“A triumph…brave, original music” – thejazzmann.com

“a…supergroup…they spin great tunes of their own but here pay their dues to Kenny Wheeler…a raft of talent” – Verity Sharp, Late Junction, BBC Radio 3

More press for Soldiering On – reviews by Adrian Pallant/London Jazz News, Peter Dobšinský and Dave Sumner/Birdistheworm.

The Dissolute Society explores Raph’s interests in contemporary improvisation, European jazz, 20th century classical music, poetry, spoken word, song, and soulful grooves, as well as original arrangements of music by Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor.

These varied elements are brought together through a highly personal and expressive narrative, exploring themes of family history, grief, friendship and hope.

The ensemble’s first performance took place at The Vortex Jazz Club in February 2015; they visited the club again to close that year’s London Jazz Festival in front of a packed house, and were joined by special guest Huw Warren (piano) to pay tribute to the late, great John Taylor. Huw features on the ensemble’s  debut album Soldiering On (to be released on Babel Label in 11th May 2018), alongside fellow guests Mia Marlen Berg and Joshua Idehen (vocals) and Mike Soper (trumpet). The album is produced by Liran Donin.

******watch out for a second album in 2020/21!******

The Dissolute Society is: Fini Bearman (voice), Naomi Burrell (violin), Zosia Jagodzinska (cello), Gustav Clarkson (viola), Laura Jurd (trumpet), Raph Clarkson (trombone, vocals), Phil Merriman (keys, synth bass) and Simon Roth (drums).

Our new band website: http://thedissolutesociety.com

Photos (by Tim Ower) from the album recording at The Fish Factory studio:

The band has also been getting involved in community projects, which thus far have included:

•  – a workshop and performance at The Latymer School, Edmonton
•  – a residency working with children in the general paediatric short stay unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, creating songs and instrumental music later performed by the full ensemble
•  – a series of creative sessions followed by a performance with children that have emotional and behavioural difficulties, as well as special educational needs, at Sulivan Primary School in Parsons Green; four children created their own compositions during one-on-one sessions with Raph, later workshopping and performing them with the Dissolute Society in a special school concert.

Find out more about the album ‘Soldiering On’ and hear some snippets:

Contact: thedissolutesociety@gmail.com