Womega

Womega was a Belgian jazz-rock/soul band that released the 1975 album A Quick Step. They remained active through 1981 with two further singles.

Members: Duk Vanlessen (guitar), Jen Vanlessen (bass), Joss Vanlessen (guitar), Paul Vrijens (keyboards), Jos Bertrand (drums), Herman Merken (vocals), Paul Peters (flute, brass)

Background

Womega was formed in 1974 in Bilzen, Limburg, by the Flemish Vanlessen brothers. In October 1975, the seven-piece booked Acorn Studio in Oxford, England.

A Quick Step

Womega released their singular album, A Quick Step, in December 1975 on Skruup Records, their exclusive label.

The album features eight originals, including “Christo Said,” “Sweet Sleeping Sixteen,” “Tu Quoue,” and “Nympho’s Belly Button.” Keyboardist Paul Vrijens served as producer and chief songwriter. He co-wrote three tracks with reedist Paul Peters. Guitarist Jos Vanlessen illustrated with album’s cover.

Musically, A Quick Step purveys post-psychedelic jazz-rock reminiscent of Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe and Tasavallan Presidentti.

A1. “Nympho’s Belly Button” (5:13)
A2. “Along Came You” (4:30)
A2. “Christo Said” (4:52)
A2. “(Sweet) Sleeping Sixteen” (5:37)

B1. “Bagatel” (1:58)
B1. “Heros of Flames” (3:52)
B1. “Tearful Thoughts” (6:59)
B1. “Tu Quoque” (6:43)

In 1976, Womega issued the single “Don’t Work Yourself” (b/w “Doctor Make Me Well”) on Belgian EMI. This would be their last release until the 1980 single “Two Red Lights” (b/w “Emma”), once again on Skruup. By then, brother Jen Vanlessen had switched from bass to drums, clearing way for new bassist Fa Vanham. They disbanded soon after with Vanham going on to back local pop singer Jo Lemaire.

A Quick Step was reissued in 2015 by German archivists Paisley Press.

Discography:

• A Quick Step (1976)
• “Don’t Work Yourself” / “Doctor Make Me Well” (1976)
  
• “Two Red Lights” / “Emma” (1980)

Sources:

• Discogs: Womega