WHAT: Seattle-based singer and pianist. Janusz released his first CD, "Hands Solo," in 2002. Featuring piano solos, piano and bass duets and three original tunes, the CD was reissued in 2005. His current CD is "Cosmo Street" featuring Northwest musicians Mark Taylor (saxophone), Spencer Hoveskeland (bass) and Jeremy Jones (drums).

CAREER DEBUT: Seattle, 1998. Janusz had a background as an actor and theater director when the Seattle Sheraton Towers hotel hired him as a piano soloist in 1998. Nordstrom later hired him as a full-time pianist. His cabaret shows include the "Phoenicia and Vic Shows" with Wade Madsen and "The Night Is Bettah" with Disney star Joanne Klein.

SOUND: A sumptuous, romantic blend of standards, pop classics and original songs featuring Janusz's warm vocals and delicate piano. Janusz's repertoire features a wide range of artists, from Duke Ellington to Steely Dan to Lou Reed. His next CD, due before the end of the year, will be a quartet-driven album featuring mostly standards: "Songs I have literally fallen in love with through the last decade," Janusz says.

QUOTE: "I like that people call me up to entertain," Janusz says, "as both a straight-ahead piano player or as a singer who can accompany himself at the keys and give a showbiz type lift to any occasion -- or something looser for a private party or country club. You really have to know your audience to get a feel for what they want, whether it's Thelonious Monk or the Beach Boys."

RELEASES: "Cosmo Street," "Hands Solo" and Jazz Improv magazine's 2005 compilation CD (featuring songs by Janusz, Marvin Stamm, Roger Kellaway and Chick Corea; information: jazzimprov.com).

WHERE TO LISTEN: victorjanusz.com

NEXT SHOW: Janusz performs his second-anniversary "piano brunch" show featuring the VJ Trio Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salty's on Alki. The trio features longtime sidemen Tim Koss (bass) and Mark Taylor (saxophone). Reservations: 206-937-1600 (request seating in the upper lounge near the piano). Janusz's regular brunch shows continue each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

-- Gene Stout