In these two special performances, Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led the audience on a journey through time, revisiting the golden era of jazz. The first concert featured numerous classic works from jazz history, paying tribute to great composers and performers while showcasing the unique rhythms and emotional tension of jazz. Spanning styles from swing and big band to blues, the repertoire immersed the audience in the rhythms and emotions of jazz.

In addition to reviving classic jazz pieces, Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra also showcased innovative works, including the Shanghai Suite, composed by Marsalis. This suite was inspired by his performance in Shanghai and reflects his unique perspective and musical interpretation of the city. Consisting of nine movements, each movement captures a different aspect of Shanghai, from the bustling Bund to the essence of traditional Chinese culture and the modern cityscape.

Marsalis used the language of jazz to vividly depict the soul and spirit of Shanghai, blending its multicultural identity with the improvisational and diverse nature of jazz. The piece is not only a tribute to China but also a celebration of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.