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Mister E. Regular user Germany 189 Posts |
Okay. If no one else dares to say it, I will: I am disappointed.
I bought it from Penguin and read through the whole 147 largely printed pages over the Christmas Days. As someone who doesn’t know a whole lot about Mr. McCambridge and who has never seen his act, I now STILL DON’T KNOW what his Q&A looks like. I have a rough idea, but not more. The author spends a lot of time (about a third of the book) about how he got to the point where he is now, and even describes some of the routines that helped him get there. But having got there, he leaves me more with scattered details about his current act than with a coherent picture. I am currently building my own Q&A act, and have read and watched a lot of the currently available material. So, I am primarily interested in the following two questions: 1. What is the structure of Mr. McCambridges act and what can I learn from it? 2. What is his advice on answering the questions. As stated above, question 1 is not being answered for me - at least not in a way, that I can understand. Several times, he refers to his “improvisational Q&A” (which apparently is his current act) but gives no further details about its the structure. You might reply that this is the nature of an improvisational act. But having a major in music and having studied a lot of jazz magic and mentalism, I know that “improvisational” ususally means, that you HAVE a structure and you VARY it. Question 2 is addressed, but only in a very superficial way – Basic Counseling 101. From someone who has 4000 shows under his belt I would have expected more insight. One of the reviewers above wrote: “If your new to Q&A or even a seasoned performer you should find something of use in the book.” This sounds like a strength, but in my view this is a weakness of the book. Its author doesn’t seem to know whom he actually wants to address. Some aspects are explained in very great detail (the dual reality) almost like it’s a beginner’s book. Other things (e.g. acquiring and using information per Preshow) are only hinted at with several methods being named but no further details as when and how to incorporate this information in the act. This may seem obvious to the author but for me as a reader it is not. This is probably not a bad book for someone who knows Mr. McCambridges act and wants to learn a couple of more details about it. If you are a “seasoned pro” some of the info might be of use to you. A lot certainly isn’t, because as a seasoned pro you won’t need it anymore. For a beginner I would not recommend this book, because central aspects that are necessary for doing a Q&A act are not being addressed in a satisfactory way. Summarizing, this book leaves me with the weird impression that Mr. McCambridge wanted to write a book about his Q&A, but at the same time doesn’t have a lot of interest in anyone performing (his) Q&A. So, essential information – the kind that interests the advanced reader – ends up not being revealed. |
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jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
I have never seen McCambridge perform but I have read the book. I too was a bit disappointed with it. Most of it is common sense and a rehash of information one can find elsewhere. I was hoping for truly unique insights and ideas from a seasoned veteran performer of QA. To his credit, McCambridge does present three different approaches to QA for different skill levels. The third is ostensibly what he performs now and is apparently what has blown away many performers which in turn motivated them to write here and elsewhere that his book on QA would be a 'must have'. From my perspective though this third approach is quite convoluted. It supposedly is an advance over prior approaches. But to be honest, it is seems needlessly complex unless, of course, your goal is to fool fellow performers. I cannot recommend this book to any but advanced QA performers for which it might have some limited value.
John
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BMWGuy Inner circle Texas 2563 Posts |
Hey guys,
I will have to agree on the above. Read it in one day. Sold it on the 3rd day. its not necessarily bad, but I have done different Q&As including Osterlinds Thought Scan, Final Answer, using TBC Box, and more, and though the part on blindfolding was good, everything else was very basic. Kind of like Q&A 101, for someone that wants to start doing it. He gives 3 ways, and the last one Triple Match is good, if you want to do a 4th dimensional telepathy type of effect, not a full blown Q&A hence my reason for selling it. I thought he was going to divulge everything, and I was curious, but though the theory in the book is insightful, didn't really get much out of the book. For a beginner just starting, this book is a good resource, to read and begin your knowledge of Q&A, but you might have to invest in other tomes or videos to learn more about Q&A. For me best Q&A is Scott Creaseys Q&A Evolution, best bang for your buck and easy to do, and you will be performing a full Q&A Act with enough practice Alex
PRESET by Alex Alejandro & Dan Harlan now available for a special introductory price!
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Stunninger Inner circle 2819 Posts |
I truly enjoyed Gerry's book and got a lot out of it. That said, I agree with Alex that Scott Creasey's Q&A Evolution is the go-to resource for someone wanting to start performing a full Q&A act. In addition to teaching a very deceptive way to get the information, Q&A Evolution provides a framework for how to answer questions using a simplified Tarot and numerology model.
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Dandin New user 63 Posts |
I have read reviews of Jermay and McCambridge's shows and as far as I can tell there is nothing new or original that they do.
If you would like to perform a Q&A act or as some prefer to call it "audience reading" act, than you should start with the work of Annemann, Corinda, Nelson, Hull etc. Then listen to the three seminars that Bob Cassidy did on the subject and watch his masterclass lecture. After that? read and study everything else! |
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jerdunn Inner circle 1735 Posts |
Thanks to all for the helpful reviews!
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jlevey Inner circle Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2076 Posts |
As many fellow Café members already know (but perhaps not all), Gerry Mccambridge is slated to present his ACT on Penguin Live tonight. Looking forward to it.
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/10911
Jonathan
Max & Maxine Entertainment Magicians with a touch of comedy! ___________________________________ www.maxmagician.com www.mindreadershow.com www.monsieurmagic.com |
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docbarnes Loyal user 299 Posts |
If someone would like to sell their used copy of his book I would be interested.
Thanks Doc |
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