|
|
saturnin Special user Montreal, Canada 964 Posts |
Hi everyone,
I would appreciate if you could give me a fair review of the book "SIMON SAYS: THE CLOSE-UP MAGIC OF SIMON LOVELL" by Simon Lovell. Please explain WHY you like or dislike. Thanks in advance! Ronnie Lemieux Montreal Canada
There is no road to happiness,
happiness is the road! |
Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Ronnie,
I really like this book. My performance style is not even remotely related to that of Simon Lovell. I wouldn't consider doing 95% of the routines of his, because they just aren't my style and are, in my estimation, too silly for me. What you will get however, is a great education on how to put together routines for maximum effect and entertainment value. And be sure and read the entire first part where Simon relates his theory on close-up magic and performing. That section itself is worth the price of admission. It is definitely one of the books I treasure most. I won't tell you which effects I like/dislike as that varies from person to person. It will help you develop as a close-up performing artist. Hope this helps you out. Let me know if you have more questions. Steven
Coram Deo
|
Dave Egleston Special user Ceres, Ca 632 Posts |
Mr Lemieux,
I know this is redundant on my part - However it's much easier to tell you about a book if you'll state a reason for your request. That said: Simon Lovell is a complete goof, and it comes across in his books - What is well known by those of us who've bought this book - The goof is also a routining genius - with a thought process that supercedes coventional wisdom - If you're thinking of buying it for performance style - don't. If you have it and are looking for the nuggets of knowledge - that's really up to you because what I might think is important to learn - may come second nature to you. If you're a neophyte to this art - I wouldn't recommend it. Dave |
saturnin Special user Montreal, Canada 964 Posts |
Dave Egleston wrote:
"However it's much easier to tell you about a book if you'll state a reason for your request." I asked because it says that this book contains mostly in the hands material and/or suited for walk-around, stand up, etc... (no table required). Which is what I am looking for, and I wanted to know if the material in this book would be usable even if my performing style is not as "crazy-go-merry" as Mr Lovell??? And how is the Routine "Who Killed Lilly Longlegs?" ???? Is it entertaining (fun)??? Thanks in advance! Ronnie Lemieux Montreal Canada
There is no road to happiness,
happiness is the road! |
Maestro Special user 801 Posts |
Quote:
I asked because it says that this book contains mostly in the hands material and/or suited for walk-around, stand up, etc... (no table required). Which is what I am looking for, and I wanted to know if the material in this book would be usable even if my performing style is not as "crazy-go-merry" as Mr Lovell??? Basically, this book has so many great routines in it that there are bound to be effects for all situations. The book is actually divided into sections: "Openers, Middlers, and Closers", "Sitting Specials and Other Bits", "Gaffed and Faked", "Sleight of Hand Goodies", "Gags, Stunts, and Other Bits." All in all, I think that almost all of the material is very usable, with the exception of the effects in the small "Gags, Stunts, and Other Bits" section and a few other effects interspersed throughout the book (like The World's Only Blue-Backed Double-Faced Card ). Right now I can't be sure what percent of the effects can be done without a table (but I know many can). All I can say is that this book is great for me, and I was exceedingly happy with it. Right now I am trying to perfect "Oily Snobs," his entertaining and surprising Oil and Water routine. |
Adam V Special user 603 Posts |
From what I've heard the Lilly Longlegs routine is very, very bad. I have to admit first that I have never seen it performed. I have heard from people though who have seen it that it's basically a whole bunch of very bad puns and bad jokes. Apparently it's meant to be clever because it uses the case in the story, but ideas like that have been around for a while so I don't think it's anything special.
Still, you may find it great and I've heard that a lot of the other effects are very clever.
Adam V - 9 out of 10 dentists recommend him.
|
ixnay66 Inner circle Denver 1525 Posts |
I like the material in the book. Hiw writing style can get a bit annoying sometimes though (just for me). He ends almost every sentence with an exclamation mark and is continually refering to "beforethinks, duringthinks and afterthinks." A minor gripe to be sure that doesn't stop me from enjoying the material.
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes » » Need a review of "SIMON SAYS" by Simon Lovell (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |