One of the surprise musical guests at Wednesday night’s re-election party for Seattle City Councilman Nick Licata at the Crocodile Cafe was R&B/smooth jazz singer Jared Douglas, a Northwest resident whose songs have been featured on “Sex and the City” and “Soul Food.”

Douglas’s smooth, silky vocals and reputation as a “one-take wonder” have brought him work on radio spots, jingles, video games and other recording projects. He has collaborated with Lionel Richie, Raheem DeVaughan, Jim Brickman, Hypnogaga, Paul Jackson and John “Jubu” Smith, among others.

Douglas’ writing and vocal work have been featured on “The Mastery of Love” from The Plantlife’s Dena Deadly and “The Long Hard Way,” the debut recording from progressive-soul band, Girth.

Douglas is now featured on a new compilation with house DJ Martin East. “Release,” the “lounge luscious” first offering from the Martin East Project, has become a DJ favorite.

The event was billed as a “Music and Arts Community Fundraiser for Nick Licata.” Hosts included Deb Semer, David Meinert, Chris Ballew, John Roderick, Kate Becker, Charles Cross, Shannon Stewart and others.

Licata has been supportive of the music community, working to get rid of the Teen Dance Ordinance, fund the Vera Project and fight the nightclub and noise ordinances. He has also helped nightclubs get an admissions tax exemption.