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Darrin Cook Special user 621 Posts |
I feel like Doc was warming up in MonkeyShines I. In the second MonkeyShines book he has hit full stride, with a great combination of usable comedy material, humor, and insight into magic. I laughed out loud several times as I read the book.
Doc rightly notes how hard it is to find platform material, and offers two platform routines with cards (one an Out of This World variation) that would play well on stage. I feel that the performer with a sense of humor and play could pick them up and run with them. Doc has some great ideas on failure tricks, examines why they work (or don't), and explains his "Failure Deck." A Failure Deck seems like an odd idea, but is the difference between laughter and a muted reaction. Paper Balls Over the Head finally has an ending, and a good one at that. There's an idea for the Miser's Dream, a packs-small-plays-big close up and parlor trick with a mouth coil. Doc gives the Nudist Deck a quick, logical, and entertaining presentation. There's a card-to-cardbox trick that I'm eager to try out. And if you were thinking about getting the trick "Sidekick," Monkeyshines II will save you a lot of money and embarrassment. |
Doc Dixon Special user Pennsylvania, USA 655 Posts |
Darrin,
Thanks for the kind words about the new book. I'm glad you liked it and I'm particularly glad you pointed out a few parts, like the Failure Deck, that I thought most would leave unnoticed, but are -- at least to me -- very important. For more details on the book, go here: http://www.dixonmagic.com/page10/page10.html Best, DD PS: One more thing -- thanks for mentioning you "laughed out loud several times" as you read the book. I've always been puzzled why books on magic (a form of entertainment) seem to go out of their way to be so UNentertaining. I'm grateful you appreciated my humble efforts. |
magicofms New user Pittsburgh Pa 57 Posts |
I am fortunate enough to live near Doc and recently saw his lecture on some of the material in his two MONKEYSHINES books and I can tell you that there are some real gems here. I am always on the look out for quality stand up routines and it is rare to find good ones. There are several pieces in these two books that could go straight into a workers set. Do yourself a favor and order these books. P.S. My personal favs were "Out of this Platform" and "Double Duty". Check em out!
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mtmagic Loyal user 221 Posts |
I recieved both Monkey Shines 1 & 2 today. Both are great reads and I'll be adding at least two of the routines to my stand up show, with Doc's permission. Some great thoughts that get you thinking. It's hard to find material for a stand up show and this stuff is exceptional. I'd give it a 10.
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Doc Dixon Special user Pennsylvania, USA 655 Posts |
Just received the following unedited review from Ron Bauer, card man extraordinaire, raconteur, underground legend and writer of a fantastic series of books you can get at http://www.thinklikeaconjurer.com
“Doc Dixon’s MonkeyShines series is loaded with great close-up material and abundant samples of his catchy humor, but the outstanding (to me) substance is his take on ‘platform’ work. He’s an old hand at killing at comedy clubs, and knows how to present magic to larger audiences. He generously shares his expertise through many enlightening essays and several complete performance scripts. Where else can you get this kind of valuable info?” Thanks, Ron. DD |
JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
I've all three "monkeys" (yes, read also) and have to give them highest recommendations! Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
Just "Out of this Platform" in Volume 2 is worthing more than the price for the entire booklet! Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
Geoff Williams Special user St. Pete Beach, FL 617 Posts |
Just got MonkeyShines Vol 2 and it is fantastic. Some wonderful material, great essays and solid thinking.
Doc, you're my hero.
"Saját légpárnás tele van angolnák."
(Hungarian for "My hovercraft is full of eels") |
scottdavismagic New user Little Rock, Ar 18 Posts |
I just finished reading MonkeyShines Volume 2. And, Doc Dixon has outdone himself.
First it should be noted that Doc clearly knows how boring most magic books tend to be. His funny persona comes through on every page. If the dry technical/clinical style of most magic books bores you- MonkeyShines volumes 1 and 2 will be a fun change of pace. Even if you don't do any of the great routines (and you will) you'll enjoy the fun way that Doc teaches magic. If you've ever seen Doc lecture you'll appreciate how his comedy in a live lecture translates well onto the page. I especially enjoyed Doc's essay on making "failure gags" work. Also, his effect of transferring his signature onto a spectator's ummm body was quite funny. Pick up the book today. |
Doc Dixon Special user Pennsylvania, USA 655 Posts |
Thanks guys for the kind words about the second volume of MonkeyShines.
Just wanted to clarify something in Scott's post. Quote:
On 2009-07-18 19:31, scottdavismagic wrote: That description is accurate, but I don't want to mislead the prospective reader. What Scott refers to is not the typical "effect/method" sort of thing. Rather, it's a true and accurately described anecdote describing how I caused my signature to appear on a spectator's torso the next morning without so much as even touching the spectator. No preparation or special props necessary. I'm sure it's the kind of thing someone could duplicate if they wanted to, but I'm more than happy to have it be that once in a lifetime event. Happy reading. Doc |
Doc Dixon Special user Pennsylvania, USA 655 Posts |
Kent Gunn posted the following review on the Genii Forum:
http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbt......st199192 Kent has just become my Favorite Person of the Week. DD |
Cris Johnson Loyal user Niagara Falls, NY 248 Posts |
I've known Doc for several years...but despite that, I have to recommend his books.
In all seriousness, the "real" work in the books is NOT the tricks (although the tricks are great). It goes into the important stuff that most magicians will not pick up on. The "real" work has to do with finding those special moments in a sow and scripting them in. In fact, I'm starting a new thread... Cris |
derrick Inner circle I dug holes for 1044 Posts |
How much do you want?
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Tim Hannig Inner circle Chicago area 1147 Posts |
Docc has a great deal on his lecture stuff this week!
I loved his first book, so I can't wait to get all this stuff! http://www.dixonmagic.com/page9/page9.html
Author of PERFORM, the 2020 Magic Cafe Book of the Year
"I loved this book!" Ken Weber "4 out of 4 stars!" Nick Lewin "This will be a classic of magic!" Mark Pocan performbettershows.com |
pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I may be a little late to the rodeo, but I just got my grubby little paws on Monkey Shines 1&2 and can't resist telling you what I think. First of all, what I think of Doc Dixon. The man lives in a little town outisde of Pittsburgh known for being the hometown of Shirly Jones. You know, from The Partridge Family? So, he's got that going for him. If Mike Close is the original worker, then Doc is the Worker's worker.
On my last trip home to Pittsburgh, Doc and I had dinner and a little sessioning at Cracker Barrel. He preceded to fool the BeJesus out of me with the Dixon Drop. This is a utility move that is basically Han Ping Chen with cards. He describes a few effects using this tool, ONE of which CLEANS UP a Vernon classic! How can you improve on Vernon? Get the book and find out. He also has a great presentation of Out of this world for platform work. Many people would swear on a stack of Erdnase that this is the greatest card trick ever. Personally, I've never liked it, and think it's pretty boring. But, you can bet I'll try THIS version. My favorite has to be a routine involving 2 things my house is seldom without. A bottle of beer, and a can of Pringles chips. This routine will have you diving in your magic closet for a gimmick most of us bought and only use as a gag, but thanks to Doc, now have a real magical use for. Also sprinkled throughout are a few essays and bits of business that led me to believe he is the worker's worker. Selecting material for the right audience, introducing new material in your already solid act, etc. These books are a must have for any pro or hobbyist who thinks seriously about our craft, because that's who wrote them. Thanks Doc! |
Steve Hook Inner circle Raleigh, NC, USA 1266 Posts |
I got to the Genii Forum review by Kent Gunn this way:
http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbt......r=199192
Like Bonnie Raitt said, "I miss Little Feat more than I miss being 8 years old." Thanks for the concerts + recordings, Lowell, Richie, and Paul!
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