An internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Tim has been active in the fields of world and early music for 18 years.
He plays dozens of musical instruments from medieval Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia, as well as western and modern instruments, such as guitar and piano. He has recorded to date on more than 30 CDs for a number of labels, including ASV/Gaudeamus, Wildboar, Osmosys, Magnatune, and EMP.
Tim lived in the UK for seven years, where he studied for his M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval Studies at Leeds University. He has toured Europe and the U.S. extensively, given a number of performances for BBC, performed in Australia and Canada, and worked with musicians in Marrakech and Istanbul.
His current specialties are medieval music and some traditional Middle Eastern music.
In addition to his solo work, he currently co-directs the medieval ensemble Cançonièr, and plays with Celtic harpist Patrick Ball, works occasionally with
Swedish musicians Draam, and is a long-time collaborator with vielle player Shira Kammen, among others.
Recent collaborations have included with Balkan vocalists Kitka, and
the UK-based medieval and electronic group, Wyrewood.
"Tim Rayborn's playing is quite extraordinary,
with all the technique of a virtuoso."
Sacramento News and Review
"Tim Rayborn is an amazing singer."
Cardiff Early Music Series
"A superbly talented artist [.] His incredibly diverse
skills with countless ancient musical instruments
are surpassed only by his extraordinary voice."
Winged Horse
"Tim Rayborn gives us a transcendental look into the heart,
culture and beauty of the Middle East."
CD Baby Editor's pick review for Qadim
"Rihla is a penetrating, unforgettable journey through the folkloric music and dance of Iberia, Arabia, and Turkey, encompassing thousands of miles and hundreds of years of musical tradition, development and cultural fusion [.] Mesmerizing."
CD Baby Editor's pick review for Rihla
"The Flame And The Shadow, master musician Tim Rayborn's latest musical offering, is nothing short of spectacular."
Gilded Serpent
"[.] a world-class talent in the field of ancient music."
Magnatune
Listen to clips from Tim's CDs, read descriptions, reviews, and buy at these CD Baby links:
TIM RAYBORN: Honey from the Thorn Beautiful and haunting music from early medieval England. Songs, devotional works, dance music, and instrumental realizations give a vivid picture of English musical life from the 12th to the 14th centuries.
TIM RAYBORN: The Flame and the ShadowA folkloric ballet in seven parts, telling ancient stories of mythic dualism from the Balkans, the Middle East, and India. A blend of traditional, folkloric music and orchestral compositions.
TIM RAYBORN: RihlaA journey of music and dance through Iberia, Arabia, and Turkey. This recording encompasses thousands of miles and hundreds of years of folkloric traditions, with numerous plucked and bowed string instruments, flutes, percussion, and vocals.
TIM RAYBORN: QadimMusic and improvisations for solo instruments, from the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the Ancient World. 14 pieces played on 14 instruments for taksim dancing, meditation, and enjoyment.
TIM RAYBORN: Veils of LightFolkloric dance music from the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Passionate, lively, beautiful music played entirely on traditional instruments, evoking the spirit of many different musical and dance styles from both sides of the Mediterranean
TIM RAYBORN: AshekInstrumental and vocal music of worldly and spiritual love from the Balkans, the Middle East, and India.
