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G.Gilbert Elite user baltimore 495 Posts |
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elgranmago Veteran user 371 Posts |
Your comment seems very shallow. If you have the book, why don´t you provide a review.
José.
"It´s kind of fun to do the impossible". Walt Disney
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Actually that was a rather accurate review.
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Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
I was going to say, seems a pretty accurate review to me.
What would Wavy do?
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mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Hmmm...this is from the reviews from the above link about the book.
---------- BILLY MCCOMB: "This is now the definitive book on street magic. It is the beginning, the end, and everything in between." JOHNNY ACE PALMER, world-champion magician (FISM): "David has become the expert on all matters street. A world-class book." Michael CLOSE, MAGIC MAGAZINE: "Highly recommended...$40 is way too cheap for this [book]...." ---------- Seems a few people like it. Wonder why if it's that bad. Any ideas? Mark. |
MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Many magicians will make a nice comment about anothers product sight unseen. Sorry to break anyones bubble but that happens all the time. That would explain Mr. McComb, who to my knowledge never was a busker. Johnny Ace Palmer is, per David, one of his closest friends, David has even written lecture notes for Palmer, what did you expect him to say? Michael Close said that the book would save people lots of time etc and that is absolutely correct. What Groves did was contact different metro areas and find out about the laws etc.. He also tapped other buskers for information. If you wanted to know how Boston and Clevelad viewed street performers ten years ago the book was good for that, otherwise there wasn't much value in it from a real street level.
What it comes down to is David Groves, who I happen to think is a nice guy just don't ask me my opinion of his magical career, has some how become rather disliked by the buskers. He made himself an 'expert on street magic' at a time when he was merely a student and did so on the backs of his betters. At the end of the day if you want to learn about street magic the best sources are by Jim Cellini and Gazzo, not Groves. Any other questions? |
Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
And Eric Evans.
I, too, have met David once in passing, and found him a very friendly person. I just think this book is a joke. The information is, at best, only half based on what busking is about. Either he was holding back the good stuff, or he's just totally full of it. To his credit, David only ever saw busking as a vehicle to get to "bigger and better" venues. I don't think, however, he spent enough time at it to be take seriously as an authority. As for the late, great Mr. McComb's comments on the book, I'm at a loss. I know that they knew each other from the Castle, maybe that's the basis for this. I hold Mr. McComb in the highest regard, but am puzzled by his endorsement. I don't get Mr. Palmer's or Mr. Close's reviews at all, but then again, I don't think either has spent any time busking, no disrespect intended. Seriously, if you want to know about real busking, read Cellini's books (Dreamer's Highway is a great read, Royal Touch is brilliant despite the lack of editing), Eric Evan's book, and Gazzo. Better yet, if you have the opportunity, find a way to study with any of the three, do it!. I've spent a couple of evenings with Cellini, when he was still in the US, and hosted one of Gazzo's master classes (much to my wife's chagrin, she found Gazzo delightful, but some of the students less so). They were invaluable experiences. Then there are people here and on other forums that can be great resources. One in particular, Jimmytalksalot, comes to mind, and I hope he puts his thoughts in book form before too long. Mark
What would Wavy do?
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Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
Oh, and believe it or not, a lot of Doc Shiel's writing can be most helpful in the busking arena.
Mark
What would Wavy do?
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Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
And Tom Frank.
What would Wavy do?
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mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Well...that would explain the review comments. I've also met David and found him to be a nice guy. Never saw him actually busk though.
I would also agree about the true masters of the street. Cellini and Gazzo are, to me, THE men on street performing. I've got almost everything from Cellini and some of Gazzo's stuff. I was fortunate to meet and attend a Cellini lecture a few years ago. He is a class act and was very helpful and generous with his time and knowledge. Although not as familiar with Eric Evans, Doc Shiel or Tom Frank, they also have some really valuable advice to read and study. Jimmytalksalot as well. I look forward to reading and studying more of their thoughts in the future. Street performing and busking are a fascinating area in the art of magic and entertainment. Mark. |
rnaviaux Loyal user 287 Posts |
I rather enjoyed the book but then I've never busked. I'd give it a lot more than a 0 out of ten.
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
If you get the book, which has its chief value in the laws concerning street performing in different cities, do NOT go by what is in the book. It was accurate when written but cities like Boston and Seattle have had significant changes in their laws and views concerning street performing.
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solrak29 Special user NY Metro 936 Posts |
Sorry for digging this up; but does anyone still have a negative opinion on this?
I know Gilbert is a seasoned performer on the streets.... Yes, I have all the other great books. I am asking because I didn't see anything concrete in this book or at least to know what makes this book suck....
To Find Me On The Pitch, Follow me :On Twitter
Checkout my pseudo blog : The Sidewalk Performers Forum "I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx |
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Perhaps it's not what's in it but what is not.
You know why don't act naive.
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cairo Elite user 406 Posts |
I've seen and met Groves on the street in Santa Monica way back. He was a very sweet guy and adequate writer but not a very good busker. At the time Gazzo and others were kings performing in Santa Monica and Groves could barely build a crowd or garner much in the way of a hat. I have the book. It is nicely produced with lots of pictures of Groves on the street.
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truthteller Inner circle 2584 Posts |
I recall When Groves lectured he explained his street performances consisted of going out and basically practicing magic in public. He reference using david williamson's torn traspo, specifically. He was not out there to build crowds or make money, just do tricks.
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markmiller Special user 731 Posts |
If that's the case, why on earth did Groves feel qualified to write a book of advice for street performers?
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truthteller Inner circle 2584 Posts |
If we asked that of everyone who wrote a book or released a video, there would be a heck of a lot less books and videos, yes?
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markmiller Special user 731 Posts |
Not a bad idea.
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Damian Veteran user 363 Posts |
I didn't think the book sucked. It seemed to have good information for the beginning busker. Before I attempted busking, I bought it and studied it, along with Cellini's video set, 2 books and a video by Gazzo and a manuscript on street performing by Whit Haydn. All four sources reinforced the same central ideas, which is a great way to learn. I studied the above material for about 4-6 months, if I remember correctly. By the time spring rolled around, I was ready. I had a terrific first summer busking.
I'm not sure David Groves' prowess as a busker is so important. He knew how to research his topic and how to write about it. His material was the best written. Clear and well-organized--a simple formula many who write seem to struggle with. Groves' book isn't the only source I'd suggest when researching busking, but I certainly wouldn't tell someone to avoid it. Read as much as you can, see as much as you can. |
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