Our Heartsweat Musicians
Rachman Ross
Rachman has been drumming for 40 years. In addition to playing the kit, he's studied and taught many varieties of hand drums and rhythms from around the world. Rachman began his musical journey with the 5Rhythms™ in the late 90’s when he began playing for Christine Tasseff’s classes and workshops.
Joseph Sanchez
My music and grooves come from many years of playing and improvising with so many beautiful people in so many beautiful settings. While influenced from a young age, my musical journey began in California as an adult. Living on the coast of Monterey and swept up by the world music scene in Big Sur, I had the right timing and privilege to be around dance and to play with countless amazing artists. I moved to Whidbey Island in 2000 and began playing for Christine Tasseff’s 5Rhythms™ classes and found my home as a foundational musician for those classes. Didgeridoo, flute, shekere and drums became my musical expression for dancers. Twenty five years later I’m still growing strong, still deepening my connection with my instruments, my music and the dancers. I’m also grateful to have stepped into the world of sound healing, providing regular sound bath sessions, privately and in small groups with other musicians.
Nick Toombs
Nick Toombs is a Multi-instrumentalist with a focus on guitar, 6 string banjo and percussion. With ambient soundscapes, melody, rhythm and intimate vocals he helps to hold spaces allowing for emotional depth and inner transformational experiences on the dance floor. Nick has played for Prayerbody Sundays as well as classes and workshops with Christine since 2014.
Ashley Eriksson
Ashley Eriksson is a songwriter and animator residing in Langley, WA. She is most well-known for her ending credits theme song in the Cartoon Network show, Adventure Time. She has fronted the band, LAKE, with her husband Elijah Moore since 2005, mostly as a bass or keyboard player and singer. Ashley and Elijah were the first two musicians to bring live music to Prayerbody.
Josh Pinkson
I came to Prayerbody first as a dancer, having never danced before. The rhythms, community, and messaging behind it have transformed my life.
One tenant of the 5Rhythms™ that I always have at the center of my mind is, "The best way to stillness is through movement." I felt relieved of the need to inflict stillness onto myself, and instead, am learning to allow movement to take me there, joyfully. Playing music with these musicians, in this setting, is a total privilege and dream come true. The quality and love of music that they bring elevates my spirit. I have been a musician and making music since I was a teenager. The acoustic guitar is my home, but I love playing music on many different instruments. Prayerbody is spiritual medicine. It takes us to places beyond words and ideas about what's happening in our lives and world. For more about my music and what I am up to, come talk with me or feel free to visit natureandspiritcenter.com
Jeff Nelson
Jeff is a professional drummer and educator with 28 years of experience behind the kit. A 2023 graduate of the Musicians Institute, Jeff combines technical mastery with the real-world experience of a working musician. Currently performing with The Wax Lips, Ant Aesthetics, and Salamander Junction, he is now accepting new students on Whidbey Island.
Contact: SeeJeffDrum@gmail.com