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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Jazz Mentalism and the Logical Disconnect (adapted from my "The Principia Mentalia")
Most effects in magic and mentalism are accomplished by a single subtlety or gimmick. If it is discovered there is simply no mystery. If an effect can be solved (reverse engineered) by the application of pure logic, it is not a good effect. What is missing from such elementary trickery is what my good friend,the late Bob Haines, called the "logical disconnect." Simply put, the logical disconnect is a way of turning a spectator's own sense of logic against him causing him to discard as ridiculous the very method used to perform the effect. In mentalism the principle is applied by making the actual method used appear to be impossible. Years ago I released an effect called the "White Dwarf" which was based on the principle of a transparent envelope. At the beginning of the effect a spectator would verify that the envelopes used were absolutely opaque. That was the logical disconnect. The method was transparency. The disconnect was showing that was impossible. In my approach to Jazz Q and A all of the methods cancel each other out and, to the average intelligent spectator, the end result can only be attributed to some special ability possessed by the performer. And if the performer's professed ability is not too outrageous, it will be accepted as a plausible solution to the effect. This all relates back to Principium 9 and is the true secret to believability as a mentalist. (Principium 9 -"If your initial claims are plausible, your later claims will be far easier to accept.") _________________________________________ For those of you interested in an in-depth look at "jazz" mentalism, which I believe to be the best approach to Q and A, be sure to check out the updated information Alain Nu has posted on the following thread: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......um=31&14 Good thoughts, Bob Cassidy |
insight Inner circle 3095 Posts |
I think the concept of logical disconnect is powerful. In my performances, I convey this concept through subtle means. For example, if I am using envelopes, instead of handing them out for inspection before the effect begins (in other words, why start running if not being chased?), what I do instead is incorporate the use of the envelopes in the spectator's own hands at some point during the routine, without directly stating, "hey, check these envelopes to make sure they are legit." Instead, the spectator may do this on their own without being told if they have doubts, and thus the concept of logical disconnect will become subtle and even more powerful. Just my thoughts...
Regards, Mike |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Mike-
You are right that disconnects can be applied subtly, but more often they have to be right out there in the open for all to see. The concept is a lot more than passing things out for examination, something that should not usually be done in mentalism anyway. Good thoughts, Bob |
Amirá Inner circle MentalismCenter.com 5131 Posts |
This thread is a MUST in this forum.
Needs to be in the first page always rather than another ACAAN discussion. The logical disconnect is the first phase to create real mental mystery and we need to thank Bob to bring us this concept and all his work.
Pablo
Performer and Author Mentalism Center: The best online space to get quality Mentalism www.mentalismcenter.com Arkanosophy: The Boutique for Mystery Performers www.arkanosophy.com |
Biovf Regular user 114 Posts |
I agree with Amirá on this, it really should be a sticky on the front page.
I wonder tho, if when a mentalist shows the "supposed" mind reading process (a bit like derren or marc salem does), can that be counted as logical disconect? To be honest I think this a theme sometimes doesn't get the attention or depth it deserves, either in mentalism or magic. Some of the best works I've read about it were from Tamariz and ascanio but other than that it always fell kind of short. David |
JohnWells Inner circle The Southern Wild 1791 Posts |
I hope you will take it as a compliment for me to say that, in my opinion, (which is currently worth less than the cost of a piece of old gum) the systematic analysis and explanation of this principle may be your greatest contribution to mentalism as an art.
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lucavolpe Inner circle Italy - London 3349 Posts |
I agree with Amirà too.
This thread should to be at the first place always! Thanks to Mr Cassidy to post this. ;)
Luca Volpe
"The Italian Mentalist" https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/lucavolpe http://www.lucavolpe.com |
Amirá Inner circle MentalismCenter.com 5131 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-05-28 05:15, Biovf wrote: Yes David. In my mind that little finesses creates a separation between the "How he could knew what I was thinking?" and " How he could knew what I was thinking in that PRECISE moment?!" that's completely impossible unless he really could read minds. For that reason Banachek´s Brain Game and all the modifications are so powerful and necessary for any telepathy experience.
Pablo
Performer and Author Mentalism Center: The best online space to get quality Mentalism www.mentalismcenter.com Arkanosophy: The Boutique for Mystery Performers www.arkanosophy.com |
Paul Carnazzo Inner circle 1174 Posts |
It's true that this should be on the first page always, as should Bob's "39 Steps".
All of Bob's material is must read material for any mentalist. In fact, a link to all of Bob's material should be on the first page! http://www.lybrary.com/bob-cassidy-m-41.html |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words. Personally, I've always felt that my work with the logical disconnect is the most important "contribution" I have made to the art. (And I certainly didn't do it alone. It was my late friend Bob Haines - of NY's "Legendary 13" - who originally coined the phrase.) I simply took off with the idea, refined it, and realized that it is the essential element in ALL effective mentalism.
And yet, despite everything I have written, I find that I haven't adequately explained the concept thoroughly enough as there are still a great many misconceptions about it. So I've decided to write a book devoted solely to the Logical Disconnect in theory and practice. I'd be interested in hearing how some of you have employed the principle in your own presentations. I'll include some of your responses in one of two sections in the book- either as examples of effective logical disconnects at work, or as illustrations of the many misconceptions that exists about the principle. (Don't worry, I won't include names and I'll rewrite the 'misconceptions' so as not to embarrass anyone.) The discussion, though, will take place in Inner Thoughts as it is not appropriate in a public area of the forum. I have started another thread in that forum and I eagerly await your responses. (And, no, you don't have to buy the book to get my feedback. I post my responses in Inner Thoughts to the specific examples that you submit.) Good thoughts, Bob |
E.E. Inner circle Look mom, I have 1533 Posts |
A little reminder for everybody :p
Professional mentalist and digital artist for mystery performers. check out my work at www.facebook.com/EverElizaldeArtStudio
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insight Inner circle 3095 Posts |
I too feel that this is your most important contribution. But then I read your other stuff and I find myself saying the same thing...lol.
Regards, Mike Quote:
On May 30, 2011, mastermindreader wrote: |
Maxyedid Special user Panama 843 Posts |
I just found this thread.
I don't understand it. Is there any other way to perform other than using "logical disconnects" to call this a "contribution"? What's the other option anyways? Performing in such a way that the spectator can figure it out how it's done?
NEW BOOK! "Semi-Automatic Miracles" - INSTANT Best-Seller at Lybrary.com
https://www.lybrary.com/semiautomatic-card-miracles-p-925333.html chaos handlings, out of hands effects, and more |
WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
There are plenty of people who think they are creating a logical disconnect, when in reality the only disconnect is between themselves and reality.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
E.E. Inner circle Look mom, I have 1533 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 30, 2016, Maxyedid wrote: It's a contribution from the creator of the "logical disconnect" and "Jazz mentalism" concepts. he was just explaining what IT IS... since many people don't fully understand it yet.
Professional mentalist and digital artist for mystery performers. check out my work at www.facebook.com/EverElizaldeArtStudio
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Steve Suss Inner circle 1193 Posts |
The following is a simple example. If you were to witness a levitation you might logically conclude it is done by some sort of physical means such as a string or wire. A logical disconnect would be taking a hoop and waving it around the object or person that is being levitated. If the audience is convinced the hoop is legitimate that would preclude using hoops or wires. Logical disconnects are a way of hiding the actual method(s) so the audience has nowhere else to go but to believe what he saw is real.
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Alan Wheeler Inner circle Posting since 2002 with 2038 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 30, 2016, Maxyedid wrote: The contribution is--as John Wells writes: Quote:
the systematic analysis and explanation of this principle... Darwin Ortiz discusses strategies for magicians in Designing Miracles; Bob Cassidy gives approaches and applications much appreciated by mentalists.
The views and comments expressed on this post may be mere speculation and are not necessarily the opinions, values, or beliefs of Alan Wheeler.
A BLENDED PATH Christian Reflections on Tarot Word Crimes Technology and Faith........Bad Religion |
bdekolta Inner circle Texas 1636 Posts |
Bob -
Please call me when you are in Krum. I am only a few miles away. - Dan |
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