Michael Rymer

Smooth Operators

Jazz prodigies make a name for themselves in New York City.

HEPCAT CONVERSATIONAL softeners are rare these days. "You dig what I'm saying?" is one of the slangy phrases Sachal Vasandani drops every so often with a relaxed cadence. Another rarity: young jazz musicians with the natural talent and unswerving devotion of up-and-coming prodigies David Wong, a bassist, and Vasandani, a jazz vocalist.