Rock WILK: YOUR THOUGHTS?
Cherokeepeace
February 17, 2009
I just read your poetry for children and I just love it... inspiring... full of life and lesson's that havent been heard in this format. Not like this... And given with such heart and soul... Is there a book for children coming?
Leslie Garisto Pfaff
February 12, 2009
Rock: Thanks so much for performing at the Nutley Schoolwide Poetry Festival. The kids (and their parents) loved your wonderful, insightful, sometimes funny words and delivery. And I could tell you were thrilled at the sight of so many kids loving the written and spoken word. A million thanks.
David Santos
February 10, 2009
YOU GOT A REAL STYLE ROCK!!!!...a style is something that is hard to have....especially in this derivin', conivin', fakin' it, gonna be makin' it hurry up and be takin' it climate of talkin' bout nonsense....You got a REAL style....
Francesca in LA
February 7, 2009
Wow. Listened to "You Are". I wish that ever in my life someone would have felt that way about me. It made me cry, so I can only imagine what it did to you. Keep going. This has got to be cathartic... If nothing else, it‚s making for some pretty righteous poetry!
Holly Long
February 6, 2009
"You Are"- the eternal You. The Everything You. Rock, you connecting with the You and speaking your You to Me and to all of Us is Beauty. We need to find each other like this. Thank You. And thank you, Rock.
Beth Wernick
February 6, 2009
"You are".......well, its probably the most amazing and honest love poem a man ever wrote...
you are one brave heart my friend
Greg Demaras
December 30, 2008
Great show in NY Rock! I love to witness the Ma'Plej evolution, thanks again. Can't wait to see what's coming next.
Keep it coming!
Greg
Michael Raysses
December 20, 2008
mr. wilk's song on katrina does more in :42 seconds to address the tragedy known as 'katrina' than the pathetic non-response of the federal government in the first three days after the flood.
speaking power to truth and speaking truth powerfully, wilk is an artistic bail-out in a time of spiritual bankruptcy...
keep the riches flowing, mr. wilk.
all the best,
michael raysses
joe clancy
October 23, 2008
sorry to have missed.
had to choose between your concert and a memorial to a recently deceased friend.
knew there would never be another cahnce in this lifetime to honor this friend - and know in our hearts and sould there will be many more chances to honor your genius. looking forward to them and causing some as well.
Keep moving and feeeling, and shaking the rafters.
peace,
Joe and Karen
Audrey Martells
October 23, 2008
Courageous, creative, ground breaking. Thanks for inviting me to share in your journey. With each performance i see you making your vision come to life more and more. The Theater Lab is an unforgiving but truthful place to present your theater piece close up and in your face. The entire audience shared in your journey and could easily see the potential of your piece.
Possibly adding a couple of actors in the future to make a character come alive in your piece. They could assist in pushing the humor hidden inside your critiques of certain individuals in your life with actors. They might visit the stage with you and possibly bring your interpretation to life while you steadfastly deliver an unwavering message from center or side stage. Some times you acknowledge them some times you don't. Sometimes they interact with you sometimes they don't. This may reveal another layer to your brilliant piece and allow the other sides of your personality to come through and connect with your audience. I loved the slide show! It also added to your delivery of such powerful messages. Lighting added some mood but could also be used to create even more drama and effect. But last night your show was most powerful when you spoke with no music to drown out your words. Just you and the audience taking it in. The potential is great . So what's next WILK?
Bobby from Dallas
September 2, 2008
I am very excited as your concert in Asbury will be a stop for us on my first visit to NYC. We are meeting friends from England (Moira)and will be attending your October 4th concert. I can't wait. Dallas has experienced a gentrification as well and I certainly do identify with your concerns about losing the cultural prescence to a totally different vein. I can wait to attend and am currently looking for your cd so I can be up on your style. Hope Curtis King somehow makes it on the 4th.
Amos "Moses"
July 1, 2008
You Rock and always will big Brother. Leah and Rachel send big hugs and kisses to you. Leah is here looking at your pic right now and saying "Hey there's Uncle Rock!" love you
Amos
shreedevi
June 4, 2008
red the poets life story..its interesting.the nature of the poet is really attractive..keep on singing and keep on entertain thepeople.
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karmath
Put The Message Where It Matters! WideCircles aka Wide Circles represents relevant, distributed, highly targeted and efficient internet word of mouth marketing using entertaining or informative messages that are designed to be passed along in an exponential fashion using social network mediums such as blogs, forums, wikis and so on.
http://widecircles.com
nataliya
March 25, 2008
In regards to “Have You Ever Heard” [For Sean Bell];
I can’t reiterate enough how essential it is to embrace artist likes Wilk, who acknowledge the injustices weaved into our society.
“50 bullets just because they could” is such a powerful statement. The line confirms the unmerited and negligent abuse of power by those in positions of authority- those who call the shots. These people are walking around with guns - with unimpeded command. We better hope that as citizens at the mercy of this corrupt system that the man with the gun and the badge has correct social politic, or it is “hunting season”.
Wilk pounds the provoking question into his song, and into our heads, “have you ever heard even one time in your life a story like Sean Bells about three guys that were white?” To me, this helps unveil the stabbing harshness of the social forces that run our country. The powers-that-be, such as Uncle Sam and law enforcement use fraudulent morality tactics stemming from a bureaucracy in which one branch of the hegemony systematically extracts rights from another group of people in order to protect the assets of the gentry. These people just get away with it while innocent people die.
Wilk’s song about Sean Bell’s case is valuable as a tool of social awareness and a method to shed light on a tragedy that most people would otherwise feel disconnected from. I think that is what I love most about all the songs I have heard from Wilk thus far; his role as a stimulus in boosting social awareness and promoting resolution through acknowledgement and understanding of the demoralization that plagues our society.
Jeff Knapp
March 20, 2008
Rock me baby,
After all these years I'm still learning about you.
The music and the words are great. But most importantly, they are real. And anyone can see it. And everyone can hear it. Can't stop listening.
Jeff
Gjallar MC
January 8, 2008
Hi Wilk... nice page, nice music! I wish you many good ideas for the future and a I hope we will do a feature track soon.
Greetings from Germany.
Peace, Gjallar MC
CARTEL ZURI
November 21, 2007
I KNOW ALOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SO CALLED "MASTERED" THE ART OF LYRICISM...BUT TO TRULY BECOME A MASTER YOU MUST FIRST BE A "SLAVE"
SLAVE TO THE EMOTIONS AND REALNESS OF WHAT IS BEING SAID..I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU WERE NOT ASHAMED TO "BLEED" ALL OVER THESE TRACKS...ALL I CAN SAY IS :"DAMN, YO"
BESOS MI AMIGO :)
I AM IN AWE OF YOU MORE AND MORE AS EACH WORD UNFOLDS!
CARTEL ZURI
"THE LYRICAL TRINITY"
Lisa Wieneke
October 9, 2007
I’m not a professional music critic. Nor am I a singer, songwriter or musician. What I am is a champion of all that’s good, honorable and integrous in people. I know it when I see it and I grab onto it with both hands and don’t let go. And so it was I recognized Wilk.
Wilk is a person and an artist whose immensely soulful reserves of honesty are a wakeup call, a slap in the face, and a tender ode all at once.
In BROKE WIDE OPEN he unleashes a series of what I can only term ANTHEMS. Anthems to love and the loss of it; to discovery, betrayal, bigotry, hope, gratitude and a very real, very visceral rage at the small-minded, closed-hearted position people take out of ignorance or hatred.
If you aren’t challenged, opened, inspired, angered or just plain shaken to the core by these songs, you’re either asleep, in denial, or simply unwilling to be affected.
This is raw, naked honesty and vulnerability. This is a smoldering anthem to all the pain, confusion and anger of a wide-awake soul in a land of sleepwalkers. There is no denial here. No hiding. No half measures. This is a soul offered up unadorned in an acoustic landscape that pounds at you with word and rhythm until you either have to shut it off or surrender to the places it wants to take you inside yourself. Maybe, if you allow it, to some of the most honest places you’ve ever been willing to see in yourself.
Wilk exposes the most intimate aspects of his life, his heart and his psyche to us with equal parts pathos and rage. Openly. Shamelessly. Awe-inspiringly. And the beauty is that as he sings his Self, you see your own reflection. Do you like what you see? Be honest. And if you don’t, take note. This is a wakeup call. Be CONSCIOUS. Take responsibility. Be willing to CHANGE.
This album isn’t just some songs with a socially conscious message. This album is an EXPERIENCE waiting to be had… by you. So turn off the phone, the TV, the computer. Sit alone in a room. Put this album on. Let his voice carry you, assault you, shame you, and uplift you by turns. Let his words, these soul-anthems, sear you, open you, call forth the naked truths hiding inside that want to be experienced and expressed.
Most of all, read deeper between the lines for the core truth that all the songs express. Without love, without the true realization that we are all connected, all part of one great big picture, we are stuck in a fear mentality: A place with no light, no heart, and no hope. ONLY by coming from the heart can we aspire to find peace and true meaning in life.
So what if the journey is painful or scary or you can’t see where the road leads? It’s the only journey worth taking. Have courage. Have heart. Wake up. Wilk did. And he had the fortitude and the grace to share it with all of us. To entrust his soul to our scrutiny. To invite us to examine our own lives, our own souls and choose to Live Awake…
Julie Donnelly
October 7, 2007
Wonderful website Rock! I roamed around for a long time, and I really enjoyed the music clips. Beautiful story about your mother, I hope you'll one day do a positive uplifting song about her and call it "Beshert." You know, she's always just inches away from you, guiding you every moment.
Good luck with your tour, I bet you'll do just fantastic!
Wishing you well,
Julie
Rock
October 1, 2007
the best days of my childhood happened in Memorial Park. I would love to hear other people's memories of Memorial Park and "Downtown" SV.
Jay Shore
September 30, 2007
Spring Valley NY 10977. It was my life from 1965-1978. I lived it, loved it learned from it. I would not trade the memories for anything else. That world I knew in Spring Valley all seems so long ago. So much has happened since I walked the streets of "The Suburbs". It sometimes seems like it all was a dream. I long for the simpler times of those by gone days. My Spring Valley I miss it so much! Jay
Bx
September 10, 2007
Had a chance to listen to the whole album and I couldn't pick a favorite if a gun were pointed at my head. So, if I had to choose a first single, it would be "2 Days" only because I find it in my mind when I'm not paying attention. That's what you want a single to do, right?
Me too!
September 10, 2007
Re; track for single number 1 - Song for my Mother is my favourite track but it is probably too intense and personal for a single - Johnny is definitely the best track but it would need to be revised to get any air play in England - the Queen gets offended by swearing!!! Played the CD to friends who did not know your work & a straw poll had a clear winner - 'Stroke' Why? It's catchy, upbeat & easy to remember - they are still singing it several days later!!!
Cera Kiesel
August 25, 2007
Thanks for giving me the link. What an interesting life you have lived. My daughter has not seen her father once in her life. My husband wants to adopt her. It's hard knowing that you have flesh and blood out there, but not knowing why they choose to stay away. Hopefully, my daughter can find the strength within herself to know her path, just as you have.
Me
August 22, 2007
Yo. The only thing more intense than the music is the thank you's!! And they are equally as moving, too. All good things should come to someone as good as yourself; I wish I snap my fingers and have it be so. Keep on keeping on. Brumboo.
vida418@aol.com
August 13, 2007
Hey Rock~ the content of the Black and white song seems just as solid as your name, you should have kept it. a terribly shocking story...and not a damn thing was done about it because sadly, its become a typical circumstance...but only because nobodys done a thing about it. Much respect to you for spreading awareness. I definitely dig this site.
a new friend,
Vida
Jeff Rosenblatt-Rosey
August 12, 2007
Rock,
Great job especially Song for My Mother. If you have any live shows let me know.
An old Ramapo classemate.
Jeff Rosenblatt
trina love
August 4, 2007
simply blown away...you're broke wide open and its beautiful! can't wait to shoot this.
Logan Wilk
August 3, 2007
Hey Uncle Rock
I listened to "Song for My Mother" and I was amazed. I remember when Gramma used to break out in tune. She would be so proud of you. We all are. I can't wait to buy the album.
See you soon.
amy phillips
July 31, 2007
Your music is so personal, yet universal. Thanks for sharing it all with us. I only wish you great success with this. You deserve it.
Marcy Le Vine
July 31, 2007
Sweet! Nice job. Can't wait to hear it cover to cover. Best of luck to you always.
Lori Fiorella
July 29, 2007
so love the easiness and yet power of your music; the inspiration behind it brings tears to my eyes. A true accomplishment. Thank you
sitting atop the ferris wheel...her spirit in stillness
July 26, 2007
...you did it...I understand alot now...rest easy friend, your intentions caress her lovely spirit...holla rock
Larry Keiser
July 26, 2007
Rock (Alan, I have to call you what your mother called you): It's a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I admired you for your caring and your devotion.
Mom is very proud.
Larry
Carri (Bueno) Garbus
July 24, 2007
"Song for My Mother" is beautiful. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I also have lost my mother, my best friend, and my dad. It's amazing how we can still go through life without them. I never thought it would be possible. You have a fabulous voice and beautiful music. Keep the music coming.
Carri
Ian L
July 24, 2007
Very cool stuff. Funny where people find their inspiration...
Keep it coming!
From along time ago...Ian
amos
July 24, 2007
Really hard to hear this one. You got through to your sister. G-d, I miss Mom and Dad so much. Love you.
Amos
tommy
July 23, 2007
Heavy, definitely heavy. I KNOW you
wrote this one on the train, bro.
That was cool having Moms in the song. I thought of that movie about the guy whose Mom lives in Coney Island and is glued to the TV set. My hair stood on my neck thinking of my Mom hearing your Mom.
Deep....
Gail
July 22, 2007
I feel like my heart is breaking when I listen to some of your music. It is so full of emotion and so full of who you are. The "Song for My Mother" is very special and hearing your mom singing was almost too overwhelming for me. I did know your mother and I am so lucky to be able to say that. I know that I will listen to this over and over again. Love.
Jay Shore
July 22, 2007
I just listened to "Song for my Mother" and I am blown away! I had to collect myself and then call my own mother. That song tore through my rib cage and pulled on my heart! Rock your songs have incredible power yet a soothing gentleness runs throughout the productions. Major props for your talent. Not to bad for a former Ramapo brother!
DOBBS
July 22, 2007
Whew!! Whatta way to start a Sunday! Just listened to "Song for my mother" and read the back story--the tears just flowed. Your lyrics expressed all my own feelings about myself and the death of my own mom. And hearing your mom sing proudly in that heavy bronx accent brought me back to those high school days hangin' at the Wilks'! Thanks for all of it, ALAN!
Robin
Holly Long
July 12, 2007
Move that pain through you- you know it's what fuels your songs..so present. Real. Out of your darkness comes Knowing Thyself and living with your fear- finding the light. Redeem yourself, brother. I feel you-
Holly
tommy
July 9, 2007
Hey. Heavy thoughts on the website about how people you think you know
can surprise you with the ugliest stuff coming from their very mouths, hearts, and
minds. Happened to me this past July 4th weekend after someone had a few drinks
and spilled her guts about how she really felt about me and my race.....like I represented
every single guy ever born of my hue.
On the song, I wonder if the sentiments of "What Did You Mean" ever float through Matisyahu's
mind .....or if he's into this thing for other reasons. I don't know enough about him
other than knowing he blows peoples' minds when they see a Hasid sounding like
a Jamaican dude.
I do know that MOST people take the path of least resistance if it means taking
a stand that's unpopular even if most likely hurtful to "friends".......sad but true.
The ones that speak up I like to think make up my circle of friends, ya know?
I'll share a poem I wrote years ago about a Social Worker friend who got his
ass beat in the hood doing what he thought was right prior to the beating:
Social Worker Death Prayer
Those who go where murder looms
Helping people furnish rooms
Wear a curse born on the lips of
Theirs and thems race.
To ignore the pace of hate
Means breathing the fire of fate
Oh such an ungodly mistake
His and hers trustworthy state.
When a deed means no coming back
From a vicious project attack
All the worms' eyes cast high
Some people are good, but why?
Burros get laze in the sun
Knowledge knows that their porting ain't done
But social workers, the real ones,
(the ones who really bleed real ones)
Move along in a fix
Hoping hard to avoid evil tricks....
And it's R.I.P. for the ones who
Didn't see complete the power of hate.
Good to know artists like yourself are truly singing about something
other than bullcrap. Go Rock.
-tommy
Other side of the river
July 9, 2007
"when keepin it real is right"...speak your truth Rock!
Audrey Landers
July 9, 2007
Rock, You're doing great work! The music is awesome!
Shreedevi
July 8, 2007
Thanks for the heartfelt expressions! We're out here feeling your music.
julie
July 1, 2007
Yo, That was very honest...reading your words and listening to the song with just percussion I could actually feel this person running for their life...literally. I'm sorry for your friend, he must be quite something for you to write such a powerful piece...he will not be forgotten. Did you use mostly percussion in honor of him, you mentioned his drum playing...whether you did or not, it really heightened the song.
loved it.
Jay Shore
July 1, 2007
I just listened to "Bye Bye" and the song just stood me right up! It hit a nerve deep inside me that moved me in a way I just can't describe. Just keep bringing these street masterpieces. I love em!
Chi-chi
June 30, 2007
Loving the faux Prince groove of Upside Down.
Really funky stuff...
Keep 'em coming
Chi-chi x
coney island rock
June 27, 2007
got 2 trays of wheat grass in the fridge right now...beautiful song Rock
Michael Raysses
June 26, 2007
mr. wilk's accomplishments with his latest effort is no mean feat--he has stylistically invoked modern-day gods (stevie, prince), while creating songs that pulse with an urgent vitality.
who says pop music can have substance?
that would be rock wilk.
thanks for the much-needed breath of fresh air.
Rick Fishkin
June 25, 2007
Wilke,
Always love the music. Keep it Goin! Any live gigs in the near future, I didn't see anything on the website-Let us all know.
Ricky Fish
julie griffin
June 19, 2007
i'm so proud to know you...after 20 years, your music, your words still bring me to tears.
MsLove
June 19, 2007
Hey, I loved reading the story behind Treat You Like My Own. Amazing really, cause you've always been a Rock to me. (See I'm black, and I say nice things..lol)
drame
June 18, 2007
This is not joke this is a true life experience coming from the botom of someone's bleading heart.
therefor it has to be cheriched.
and willk, you are a ROCK KEEP ON ROCKING
Shadneh
June 18, 2007
lovely...so exciting Rock...I am looking forward to the whole thing...
kent in bk
June 17, 2007
love the teasers. looking forward to hearing the whole thing.
i already know i'm buying this cd!
Silika
June 9, 2007
SAMAH!! Never cease to amaze the WORLD. We enjoy your music.
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