For the best part of two decades trombonist, composer and arranger Raph Clarkson has been an integral part of the UK jazz scene, winning much acclaim for adventurous album releases such as Soldiering On, Resolute, and This Is How We Grow. Clarkson’s writing for the exciting 15-piece orchestra Dissolute Society draws on many genres, from jazz to progressive rock to classical music, but is ultimately defined by the artist’s strength of character and imagination. Vibrantly performed and at times intricately structured, Clarkson’s music explore themes as varied as family history, friendship, grief and hope, and is testament to his proven ability to bring as much emotional depth as creative breadth to both stage and studio. While that recent flurry of albums reflects Clarkson’s steady artistic growth the seeds were planted long ago. The son of two string players, he knew in his childhood that he was destined to have music in his life in some capacity. Today, looking back, he is well aware of the specific motivation that led him to become an artist. “I realized I wanted to be doing it in as direct and visceral a way as possible,” he reflects. “I absolutely loved the aspect of music making that is social, forging connections with other people, enjoying each other’s company while playing together.”