Hello Christopher,

I have three questions, all related. Who were your major influences in mentalism? Who would you consider to be the current top mentalists in the field? Finally, besides the classics of mentalism by Corinda and Annemann, which books would you most highly recommend?

Thanks for being here.

Mark

"Who were your major influences in mentalism? "
The four most major would have to be Ormond McGill, Eugine Burger, Max Maven and Bob Cassidy. Why, because of the experiences I have had with them or their writing (see my answer below about books).

"Who would you consider to be the current top mentalists in the field?"

Through my membership in the PEA and lecture tours, I have met a number of amazing individuals that have impressed me greatly. In no particular order: Mark Salem, Max Maven, Banachek, Neil Tobin, Bob Cassidy, Colin McCloud, Marc Spellman. I have huge respect for all of them.


"Finally, besides the classics of mentalism by Corinda and Annemann, which books would you most highly recommend?"
There are many but at this moment, I will restrict my list to only 3: Psychic Magic by Ormond McGill; Magic and Meaning by Burger/Neal; Goldstein's Color Series.
I am sure that Psychic Magic has not had nearly as wide ranging an impact on mentalists as Corinda’s book but on me, its effect has been profound. I came to McGill through a conversation with Eugene Burger. He explained that he could not make a living with the kind of magic that I was trying to describe to him. I did not really understand what he meant but did after following his direction to study McGill’s criteria for the “Presentation of Miracle” in Psychic Magic. To experience a powerful Psychic Phenomenon is a truly magical thing. McGill indicates that such an experience requires a fundamental set of situational criterion that must be brought together (the way fire needs oxygen, fuel and spark). This concept informs all of my work in this field.


Magic and Meaning, by Burger and Neal, should be widely read by mentalists. Serious study of the concepts in this book can facilitate the development of a powerful performance essential in a mentalist or bizarre mage: conviction of purpose; the why we perform, rather than the how. After reading this volume, one realizes that there is a hierarchical spectrum of relationships between performer and audience. The reader is stimulated to continually reflect on his or her own place on this continuum and to evolve in their personal relationship with the audience.
Phil Goldstein’s Color Series (now Max Maven’s Prism) has no doubt provided countless of mentalists with classic, but up to date, powerful effects. For me, the series also provides huge creative inspiration on just what can be achieved through the recombination of classic principles. There are also excellent lessons on making an effect personally relevant to participants.

CT

Thanks for your answers to my questions! I had not heard of Psychic Magic by Ormond McGill, so I'll have to check that out. The others I have read and re-read.

Cheers,

Mark