"SPANISH CLOSE-UP MAGICIAN Mariano Goņi's excellent disc delivers exactly what it promises: a collection of original ideas and creative variations in card magic.
The opening effect, "Color Strike Mama", gives a hint as to what follows. It's a variation on the legendary "Chicago Opener"...but before you yawn, you've got to see how Mr.Goņi has added visual impact to the magical color changes of the backs with the "Lightning Change", a color change of a card extending perpendicularly from the side of the deck. You've seen some similar ideas, but Mr.Goņi has made this useful not just as a (double) color change, but has also shown integrated into a classic plot.

"Evolution" is another color change for those seeking visual, impromptu, in-the-hands card magic. Where the "Lightning Change" works with the changing card in a perpendicular configuration, "Evolution" works from a diagonal outjog position, which is a far more natural position to my eye.
For those who frequently work seated at a card table, the Sidewinder control (unrelated to the Andrus sleight of the same title) is essentially a longitudinal tabled side-steal, well choreographed to control a card from the middle to the top in the action of squaring the deck.

While you're at the table, you may as well try a "Triumph". The provenance of "Color Triumph" is readily apparent. This version owes both to Daryl and Vernon, but it adds the extra visual oomph of an initial color change of half the deck. After the mixed shuffle, the colors separate with the exception of the two selections. "Floored" is a straightforward transformation of the face of a card signed on the back, dressed in a hint of Cards Across but requiring only one person. The use of the floor to isolate a card is reminiscent of J.C.Wagner, but in this case it also adds some needed misdirection.

While most of the routines require little or no preparation and no props beyond what a cardman would probably have on hand anyway -a stranger card, for example- there are a couple of items requiring a bit more preparation but delivering an impressive payoff. "Hurricane" is a way to make the "Whirl flourish" move faster, last longer...basically it injects steroids into the visuals. Similarly, the "Raikiri Shoot" requires more preparation than you might imagine, but causing a selected card literally jump from a cascade into your waiting hand is startling. And the little something you need to make the "Eagle" peek work like a charm is included right in the jewel case.

The disc is comprised of video shot in a variety of locations, in someone's home, in front of a backdrop, and even in a formal show situation. There are plenty of close-ups and a lot of careful editing. While it's not a big studio production, the final product compares nicely with work from lager producers.

Cardmen will find plenty of versatile, practical material here. Expect someone to catch you with one of these ideas at a convention.

(Genni Magazine December 2010)