With the arrival of my new DVD with Alakazam Magic, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk about my Synergistic approach to Card Magic and Audience Testing.
I have a fairly comprehensive library, old books mostly. Some of the newer books are simply great, some of them even stunning.
Books like Lessons in Card Mastery by Darwin Ortiz and Game Changer by Jason Ladanye. These two books have really pushed this subject forward.
I also have books in my library which I feel haven’t.
I have delayed the publication of my book simply because my material has not pushed the subject forward.
I like to think my performances have contributed a lot this subject.
When I watch videos of myself, in most cases, I feel happy because my execution was good, my presentations are now more an authentic expression of me, my vision and life.
My creative ability, what little I have is more in line with a simple thought;
What can I do with this effect?
What can I communicate with this routine.
What will the audience learn about me after this performance?
I must thank my friend Chris Wood for that last question – it is a question I had not considered or even framed in this way. I was thinking more in terms of why should they care.
Over dinner last night, Chris dropped that question on me and it landed powerfully. Full credit to him because I said to him there is a blog post right there with full credit.
My creative expression comes alive when I feel and make powerful connections with magical principles.
My new DVD is an exploration into this thought process.
Many of the routines on my DVD grew out of these questions – one routine in particular is The Lie Detector.
In case you forgot it, here is the video again to enjoy.
This routine is a synergic combination of ideas from Paul Cummings, Mike Obrien, Larry Jennings, Alex Elmsley along with a devious moment from myself. This routine is a hard core FOOLER. It has caught many magicians off guard.
This is an example of how I create and design my magic. I look for gaps in the handling that can be made stronger. I look for a presentational hook to make them care or at the very least spark interest.
The next important thing is test drive my ideas. I am learning to trust my ideas a lot more now.
I had the crazy idea of combining two wonderful techniques together to create a truly stunning effect. The routine is called The Changeling – this never fails to generate a gorgeous response.
Here is a performance.
The lighting in this video is dam aweful – I apologies for this.
This video features The Changeling along with a routine from my first Alakazam DVD The Pathway to Excellence Volume 1.
As you can see, I have combined both routines together to create a monster showpiece item. This synergistic combination is beautiful and a tribute to Robert Houdin Metamorphosis.
My routine features modern sleight of hand techniques along with a strong presentation hook. The routine is a big hit in my stand up show.
Test driving routines is big part of being performance ready – this can take serval months before I feel this level of certainty.
Trusting myself, my technique and delivery is a constant work in progress.
This is a requirement for all of us.
My new DVD also features a stunning routine called Pasteboard Larceny MKII – The original appeared on my Penguin Lecture.
This revision is how I now present the routine. It combines ideas of SteveForte, Jason England and Darwin Ortiz into a stunning demonstration of Gambling and Card Control.
I do not consider myself a gambling expert. My audience will think so after watching this routine. The strength of this in the combination of ideas and how they have been routines together.
My new DVD is ready for order and immediate shipment.
Cost is £24.99
Order will be handled directly through Pay Pal.
Click on The Magic Button to place your order: