Have you noticed Greg Wilson's speed of patter? I hadn't fully considered this before purchasing it
for myself.
Watching the trailer, you should note how quickly Mr. Wilson says "look here,
not there, there’s no coin here, oops, now there is, it's over here, but not really, this is
nothing, now it's something, or is it..." He jumps through his routine so very fast, and he doesn't
give his audience a chance to catch up with him. (His misdirection is practiced… and perfect!) He
has a very dynamic and lively approach that fits in so well with his character. And his approach,
breezy and nonchalant, lends itself to humor.
I myself use humor all the time, but I try to
effect a more steady pacing in my performances, so that each moment of astonishment has a chance to
register before I move on to the next phase. If you are considering buying this, ask if the style of
performance suits you, or if you can adapt it to suit yourself. Important to note: I don't think
these effects REQUIRE Mr. Wilson’s breakneck speed. But it’s worth considering if you think his
delivery matches your own, or if you feel you can adapt it to your character.
(To belabor
the point: Mr. Wilson’s teaching never considers whether we might want to have a more
slow-and-steady approach. I’m certain I can adapt this for myself, but I hadn’t at all considered
this before purchasing.)
Furthermore, this speedy delivery matches Mr. Wilson’s teaching
style. The teaching is always excellent, nothing is left out, but he teaches his own speedy approach
to the routines. At times you might think you wish he'd spend just a little more time covering a
certain sleight or two. The needed sleights are the most basic, elementary essentials of coin magic.
(No knuckle busters are taught or required.) Intermediates and up will be fine here. Even advanced
beginners will be okay. But if you are a rank beginner, you might wish for more hand-holding in the
teaching.
At this point I should add there are a few effects, such as with the coffee lid
(the “bet your bottom dollar” routine) where speed isn't important at all. To my eye, it’s one of
the best effects in the whole project, so you can certainly find something to work with here.
All that aside, I love this purchase. The coins are very well made. They have just the right
weight in my hands. The way the coins “cooperate” with each other feels ideal, and I love practicing
with them. So I do highly recommend this. But it’s worth reviewing the trailer to see if this seems
like something that you can fit to yourself. (Full disclosure: I haven't performed it in public yet,
given the pandemic. But I just can’t wait to get out there with Split Focus.)
That was excellent advice. I was so impressed by the effect that I didn't consider the role that Wilson's patter and speed played. This effect can be adapted to other styles, but it does especially work well with a quick, misdirection-intense style like Wilson's.
Love it, but for the pacing (maybe?)
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