Khepera (album)

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Khepera is a studio jazz album by American pianist Randy Weston, released in 1998 and recorded in March 1998. It explores connections between African and Chinese cultures and is dedicated to Senegalese historian Cheikh Anta Diop. The title Khepera means transformation in Egyptian. The album was produced by Weston and Brian Bacchus for Verve. Key contributors include Min Xiao-Fen on gong and pipa in two tracks, Talib Kibwe on alto sax and flute, Benny Powell on trombone, and Melba Liston helping with the arrangements; Pharoah Sanders also appears. Weston offers inventive rhythms and rich textures throughout the set.

Reception was strong: JazzTimes praised his ability to refresh familiar melodies; The Washington Post noted an Ellingtonian elegance in the piece “Portrait of Cheikh Anta Diop”; The Sydney Morning Herald called the music broad, emotionally dense, spiritual, and creative; The Globe and Mail commented on Min Xiao-Fen’s contributions; The Los Angeles Times applauded the Powell–Sanders pairing; The National Post called the album a clever blend of African rhythms, Chinese melodies, and ’60s jazz tonality; AllMusic called it a powerful, visionary work with Sanders in strong form throughout.