For the Collective Good

Despite the warnings that the smoking ban would ensure anarchy and despair on the nightlife front, instead smoking has strengthened its role as a social lubricant. A new brand of comradery is being forged nightly as smokers go outside for their nicotine fix. This isn't all that surprising, since people are social creatures, not unlike the uber-cute momonga. Not to be too Fremont-hippie about this, but we crave company and need one another, knowing we can get more done together than we can alone.

Local collective SunTzu Sound is a musical manifestation of this group approach, with the group adding up to more than its membership. SunTzu Sound has garnered mention before, but considering they're one of the only outfits in the Northwest dedicated to the downtempo/broken-beat scene, it's worthy praise. While downtempo experienced oversaturation two years ago with a glut of bland "chill out" mix CDs, SunTzu's six members (and collaborators) persevered with their take on the genre (minus the blandness). They play a mix that would be approved by the most discerning hipsters, blending the old with the new, the pervasive with the obscure. Rather than pigeon-holing themselves, Sun Tzu's members have always shown a willingness to dabble in a variety of sources, including soul, hip-hop, funk, jazz and house, taking on the challenge that comes along with that eclecticism. Their tenacity has paid off, as they've made it to their third year. Our hats go off to them.

To celebrate this anniversary, the SunTzu is bringing in representation from one of their European counterparts. The six member Jazzanova collective is known primarily for their remixes, and they're currently touring in support of their latest compilation. The six members of Jazzanova are known individually for their production/DJ skills, but they focus their attention on the needs of the group rather than individual accolades. This has worked thus far, as their name has become synonymous with quality releases and appearances, setting a bar that's extended to their other projects as well. They've come through Seattle before and shown us "how they do," and there's no reason to think that things will go any differently this time around.

SunTzu 3rd Anniversary featuring Jazzanova
Saturday, January 20th, 9pm-2am
Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St.
$12 advance, 21+