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WDavis Inner circle 1276 Posts |
I just thought it useful to explain the difference for many of the newer/younger guys in this field.
On a lot of threads, we read the phrase "jazzing it" or some variant there of, but what exactly is jazz performance? Jazz Mentalism, in my understanding ( please correct me if I am wrong Bob), is an impromptu performance. Now some may ask," isn't that the same as performing Impromptu?" In my opinion it is not! Performing impromptu is not having a defined routine. Going with the flow per se. Yet on the other hand, an impromptu performance while having the appearance of being "off the cuff" is highly structured and routined. So how can we be jazzing it up if it is fully routined? Well it is when you really know how the routine is headed and where you can allow yourself flexibility or audience variability in the routine can you allow this freedom in your routine. It is a subtle difference, but I think it an important one to be addressed. My best, Walter |
DekEl Inner circle Creates MindTricks. Has exactly: 1172 Posts |
Very interesting and a good point, Walter. While I have performed impromptu in the past, more recently I've created a number of memorized routines that I can use for impromptu performances so that I won't be caught of guard or left hanging.
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Walter-
I understand what you are saying and agree that is how I define "Jazz Mentalism." But I think your dichotomy is a bit confusing because, grammatically, the two terms can be read to mean the same thing. I agree that "jazz" cannot be performed until you have learned the basic melody, so you have something to improvise on. I think I would use the term "improvisational performance" instead of "impromptu performance" just for the sake of a bit more clarity. Good thoughts, Bob |
Amirá Inner circle MentalismCenter.com 5131 Posts |
Another mistake that can be made in "impromptu" work is even if the performance is prepared, should look like an impromptu one, unnplanned, on the spot and casual.
In that way the effort is invisible and your audience can think " Wow... if he really can do this without any preparation, how much he can do when he is prepared?! Staging, order of props, blocking and all the other techniques are the same. “The very best impromptu speeches are the ones written well in advance.” Ruth Gordon I think that that quote resume the idea...
Pablo
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tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 731 Posts |
For me the “Jazz” accept of performing has always fallen within a set routine. I know the beginning and the end, but the middle can change depending on how I and feel at the time and how the audience is reacting.
I approach my show in the same way, The opening helps me understand the audience and that opening reaction dictates what I do next. In a nut shell my show list would be: Opening 2nd set effect Set Middle Effect Set Ending The blank spaces are filled depending on my mood and feeling I am getting form the audience. Of course I have always believed that, to some degree, every audience is different and I adjust to them. I have never be able to do the same exact show every time. |
Rocketeer Special user Westchester, NY 965 Posts |
In a similar vein I use three different kinds of "ad libs".
A genuine ad lib is when I just happen to say something I might not have even thought of as being funny and it provokes laughter. A stock ad lib is a former genuine ad lib that I have deliberately remembered so I can use it when a situation similar to the one that arose when I made the genuine ad lib. A written ad lib (oxymoronic, I know) is a thought that occurs to me at some random time that I feel strongly will get a laugh once the perfect opportunity arises. I write them down. I've got a stockpile of these I'm just itching to use.
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Billy-one Inner circle IOWA 1028 Posts |
Jazz is all about knowing the keys and playing them when you FEEL it! When you have an intimate understanding of multiple methods that can be employed, you can go into a routine, "I want to read your mind" and reach the end result with whatever method you feel will be the strongest. All you have to know is where you want to start and the outcome, the path of how you reach the end is uncertain.
Respect, Billy |
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