May 1, 2007
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** BLACK BOX CINEMA by Bob Cassidy
*** MYSTERY BY ASSOCIATION by Kenton Knepper
To make a purchase of any item in the JMOM newsletter,
please go to
http://www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com
and use the shopping cart. If you're unable to do
this, you may respond to this e-mail.
To make sure you've not been missing any newsletters, check
out my blog, which is accessible from the main page. All of
the recent past newsletters are archived there.
*********
Sorry! Let's try this again! The last try had the
wrong reviews included --
I've gotten several e-mails regarding Larry Becker & Lee
Earle's new effect, Caller I.D., which is being advertised
in the current magic magazines. The word I'm getting from
my distributor is that the initial order will sell out
instantly and it will be weeks before they get more. So,
I've secured a few and put it up on my site. If you order
it now, you should be able to get it soon after it's
released. I know it's expensive, but Larry and Lee always
put out good stuff. Check out the website and its
description. If it plays as good as it reads (and I'm sure
it will), it will be worth the investment.
Also, later this week, I'll be getting Devin Knight's new
booktest, Double Coincidence. Unfortunately, my
distributor's initial stock is now gone. It sold THAT fast!
I'll have it up on the site later this week. And, if you
order from me, I'll ship it out as soon as the next shipment
comes in.
I did promise a newsletter featuring my comments on the two
latest Marc Oberon effects, Oddball and Bang On. I promise
that'll be in the next one which I'll send out in the next
few days.
***** TRIO AND THE MEMORY PILL ACT
The creator of the classic Blister effect, Jack Kent Tillar,
has a new book destined to be a mentalism classic. TRIO is
a book comprised of three complete knock-out mentalism acts.
And THE MEMORY PILL ACT, one of Bascom Jones' favorites, is
a complete act, as well. Getting paid to do any one of
these acts will more than cover the cost of both. Step on
over to the Marketplace of the Mind and check them out, if
you haven't already. And, if you have and have not ordered
them, do so. I know that you'll be glad you did.
Incidentally, the second volume of The Private Files of
Jack Kent Tillar will be out soon. Those who purchase TMPA
will be receiving an e-mail about how to obtain the next
e-book before anyone else and at a special sale price.
***** MARKETPACE MEMBERSHIP CLUB
The second issue of Jheff's Journal of the Mind features
John Riggs. The issue features some killer stuff that you
don't want to miss. To get it, you need to buy a membership
in the Marketplace of the Mind. For the $37 cost
you get a subscription to the 2007 issues of
Jheff's Journal of the Mind, an all-new e-zine for
mentalists, and an additional 5% discount off merchandise
from the Marketplace of the Mind. There will also be
specials and other stuff throughout the year. Check out the
free preview edition of the Bonus #0 issue featuring Jack
Kent Tillar. Go to the website and click on the banner at
the top. Or use the link below.
Check it out here:
www.marketplaceofthemind.com/jmmc.html
***** THE FRIENDS OF THE MARKETPLACE
Don't forget to check out the new Friends of the Marketplace
section. This is for those creators who are producing
wonderful products that I don't carry. This is because, to
save overhead, I order as needed from my distributor, and
these creators aren't mass distributing it. If you'd like
me to review your product and help you sell it, then you'll
find details about the Friends of the Marketplace program on
the website. There's a button on the left hand side for you
to click on.
Brand new to the section are Loren Tindall's beautiful new
THE DELPHI PORTAL, which is a must-have prop for anyone who
is a reader, and Gene Nielsen's THE MAGICK YEARS, a jam-
packed e-book filled with over 70 professional and varied
routines.
You'll also find John Rigg's John Riggs' first three
volumes of his DVD series, GODS WITH FEET OF CLAY. This
is definitely a series that you don't want to miss. And
then there's Millard Longman's incredible new peek
method,ACIDUS GLOBUS; Alan Strydom's very nice and powerful
routine, CREATING IMPACT; and Enrique Enriquez' The
Invisible Tarot, a wonderful reading system for Tarot cards.
Also,you'll find Reflections, an impressive new prop from
Outlaw Products, who also produced the wonderful Homicide,
Manhattanville, Sinister, and Kioku. You'll also find
links to some other wonderful products. There's the new
version of Nick Morton's A Dangerous Love, which is a
unique book test; Josh Quinn's Ascension, which is a
diabolical reading system using supermarket horoscope
books; Millard Longman's Acidus Novus DVD, a masters
course on one of mentalism's most important techniques;
Bryn Reynold's powerful casino card effect, Double Down,
and his serial number divination gem, simply entitled $.
Remember, I don't make a dime on this stuff. I do this
because I think the stuff is very good and worth it.
http://www.jheff.com/friendsofthemarketplace.html
Until next time. -- Jheff
*********
BOB CASSIDY
BLACK BOX CINEMA
JMOM Price: $27
Suggested Retail Price: $29.95
THE BLURB:
Bob Cassidy is one of the leading mentalists in the field.
When he speaks mentalists listen. On this DVD he gives a
crash course in mentalism techniques. You will learn
techniques using clever subtlety and subterfuge as well as
advanced sleight-of-hand.
Techniques covered include: The Medium’s Switch (2 methods),
The Al Baker Switch (2 methods), Annemann Switch (2
methods), The Squeeze, The Moldavian Switch, Switch Blade
Switch, Microphone Switch, The Impossible Envelope Switch,
The Cajones Shuffle, Henry Hay’s False Waterfall Riffle,
Gambler’s Palm Add-On, Erdnase Bottom Deal, and The Putty
Switch.
You will also learn Bob Cassidy’s ESP Envelope Switch which
Bob considers the most undetectable switch he ever came up
with. It is devious, versatile and practically works itself.
Among the highlights of this stylistically produced DVD are
the important tips and advice Bob shares about how to
perform mentalism. Bob also discusses the stagecraft and
psychology used to convince audiences you can read their
minds.
Special DVD Features:
Access to performances, explanations and commentary
Product Previews
DVD Trailers
Dolby Digital sound
Encoded for worldwide viewing
Running Time Approximately 45min
MY COMMENTS:
As of this writing, Bob Cassidy has a reputation of being a
brilliant mentalist whose works are highly influential,
practical, and must-haves. Unfortunately, getting these
works has been difficult as Bob's business practices aren't
always up to customer satisfaction, to put it politely.
Now, though, Bob has made arrangements to outsource his
material. And that's good news for those who may be
frustrated in wanting to support Bob and get his wonderful
works, but not deal with the hassle of actually getting
them.
Meir Yedid is now releasing this video compilation of
mentalism techniques that Bob released a few years ago. It
contains a mix of older and newer material. You can see a
younger Bob, an older Bob, and that Dr. Crow guy that
apparently is the bad influence on Bob's business practices
(I'm semi-serious with that last phrase).
The disc itself is short, but packed with many techniques
that Bob has developed, or has used, in mentalism. For
example, he teaches the incredible false waterfall shuffle
from Henry Hay's Amateur Magicians' Handbook. Mostly, there
are switches that allow mentalists to gain information.
And, the whole disc begins with part of a lecture that Bob
gave that discusses some of Bob's philosophies behind being
a mentalist. I should also mention that some of these
techniques have been discussed by Bob in other works of his,
but this is a visual teach-in of these methods. Also, though
I don't have the original disc I got from Bob years ago to
verify it, this appears to be a better disc transfer and
better quality than the original.
Obviously, if you're looking for a disc filled with Bob's
reknowned routines, or any mentalism routines, then don't
buy this. You'll be disappointed. But if you're looking
for some good techniques and good advice, there's plenty
here for you. This is certainly a welcome re-issue and
recommended.
*********
KENTON KNEPPER
MYSTERY BY ASSOCIATION
JMOM Price: $41
Suggested Retail Price: $45
THE BLURB:
A new masterwork from Kenton.
Over 100 full size pages on the secret principle of
Association and how Kenton and students use this long
ignored and mysterious factor.
We simply cannot say enough about it, or what it will do for
you.
Using association causes spectators to stop being
spectators. Association actively engages onlookers, causing
more of an experience and relationship with your audience.
The audience becomes an active force in your performance.
They do not feel left out of the act.
With association, the audience is a willing and active
participant, rather than an antagonistic force to be won
over by manipulation.
Best of all, magic and mentalism can easily be made into
legitimate art by applying association to standard tricks
and presentations. In a sentence or less, with one object,
or less, association casts its spell. Immediate ART and
MEANING can be had without hard work, once you grasp the
underused and oft ignored principle of association.
Influence and shape audiences to do as you desire by
association and its related branches of sneaky psychology.
People will follow your lead and more. Your audience is just
waiting to be taught what to do!
All of this is just for starters.
We know these sound like impossible promises, but they are
true. Artists and psychologists have proved these claims
about association reliable for ages.
Association is the standard used in video, persuasion
psychologies, advertising, art, music and theatre. Yet
mentalists and magicians use it unknowingly, as if by
happenstance.
Like Wonder Words, Kenton once again changes the landscape
of mentalism and magic forever with this book. You will
wonder how mystery performers ever performed without this
incredible principle.
THIS work will remind you why Kenton is considered a
groundbreaking leader in mentalism and magic.
New effects, tricks and methods included, as well as
material from The S.E.C.R.E.T. School
Pages 111 - Tapebound
MY COMMENTS:
The blurb pretty much explains this as much as I can. This
is a theory book, but a very important one. It explains why
having something associated with what you do or what you say
during your performance is practically essential to the
working performer. Be warned. This is not light reading.
And there are a couple new effects, but mostly the
discussion is around classic magic and mental effects and
how association can work with them.
Interestingly, the blurb says that "you will wonder how
mystery performers ever performed without this incredible
principle." I disagree. The best performers, at least,
know instinctively about this. I even recognized examples
in my act that I used for effect. I knew it worked, but
couldn't name or explain it. Now I can.
Obviously, this is a very important, mature work. As I
said, this is not an anthology of mental routines. And this
is not something that is going to convince you to radically
change all the effects you now perform in your act. Rather,
you will take this information and apply it where you can
into your act. Doing so will elevate your performance into
something much more professional, much more entertaining,
and much more effective. Beginning mentalists should put
this on their list of must things to read after they've done
many performances and feel comfortable performing mentalism.
If you're an experienced mentalist, and constantly looking
for ways to improve your act, I highly recommend you study
this book.
*********
To make a purchase of any item in the JMOM newsletter,
please go to
http://www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com
and use the shopping cart. If you're unable to do
this, you may respond to this e-mail.
This e-mail is copyrighted by Jheff Poncher. No part of
this newsletter may be reprinted or distributed without
the express permission of the author.
You received this e-mail because you have subscribed. If
you wish to unsubscribe, then send me an e-mail at
Jheffsmind@aol.com
and it will be done.
