Scott Alexander is a guy I've never heard off until a friend of mine Jim Spinnato turned me on to
him. I've gotta say, I'm hooked.
The 10 O'Clock show is loaded with some great material.
There's a mix of close-up and parlor magic on here. His effect, Sense of Color, is one of the most
beautiful routines I've seen. It's a visually amazing color changing silk routine with an
unbelievable kicker at the end.
I'd have to say that Nailed is my favorite piece. It's
basically Tim the Tool Man meets mentalism, and it turns a simple card trick into a full on stage
production. He's got effects on here using Jacks (the old ball and jacks game from when you were a
kid). There are several incredible utility moves. In fact, a move from Jumping Jacks helped me work
out the kinks on a move I was developing.
Scott's handling of Cigarette in Coat with
matches instead of cigarettes is a killer. The list goes on and on and on. Trust me on this guys
(and gals) this one is a GEM! Get it!
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I personally enjoy Scott Alexander and his performance style. I enjoy how he looks at magic and the
twist and additions he gives to classic plots. The 10 O’clock show is filled with great useable
material. Below I will go through each effect so that you can get a feel for the DVD.
The
Hat
A shot glass disappears and reappears under a hat several times and the routine concludes
with the production of a double shot glass. This seems like a fun routine and Scott gives the some
helpful and interesting methods for the production of liquid. A great routine.
Sense of
Color
This is Scott’s take on the classic color-changing silk effect. He says that he created
this as his personality couldn’t fit the classic Billy McComb routine. Scott explains everything you
need to know for this routine. He builds all the gimmicks in the studio and teaching you how to make
the silk fountain for the effect. To answer your question, yes you can use it close up as Scott has.
Matches Melt
This is Scott’s take on the classic and now near politically incorrect
“Cigarette in Coat”. Scott has made this effect into a full routine with a production of a glass of
liquid from the volunteers coat to end the routine. This one is a crowd please and having used this
in performance I can say Scott’s tips breathe new life into this classic!
Jumping Jacks
I loved this routine! For playing card jacks turn into actual jacks, then Scott does a matrix
with them. To wrap up the routine, Scott has actually found a justified and realistic use for the
Bounce No Bounce Balls. It’s not brain-melting magic but it does make for a fun routine.
Nailed
Take one part Las Vegas Showman + a Tool Belt + a Deck of Cards and you get this
fantastic routine. The cards are fairly mixed, placed into their box and nailed to a board. The
volunteers tear off cards and the mentalist or tool man is able to know what cards they have
selected. This is great and one of my favorites on the DVD. This is a great parlor effect, I love
it.
Diving Fork
A napkin and fork are borrowed, and a card is selected and lost in the
deck. After the deck is wrapped in the napkin the fork is thrust through the napkin and the deck and
in the tines of the fork is their selected card. This effect is impromptu, uses a little sleight of
hand, and has great visual impact. This is a good forking trick!
A Short Story
You show
the audience your short story which is written on some blank playing cards. The volunteer, and in
this case, fellow writer names any four-letter word, and that same word is the same word that ends
your short story. This close-up effect is designed to be done when the performer is seated. It looks
clean and is different than a pick a card effect.
Cons:
The title of the DVD would
suggest you will see a full evening show. All though you receive a full show worth of routines you
do not get to see Scott perform a full show. The DVD is set up in effect, explanation, effect,
explanation format. Personally, I enjoy seeing Scott perform and this lack of show from the 10
O’clock show was a small let down.
The routines presented are shot in the studio; however,
some would have benefited from live performance.
Overall:
I really enjoyed this DVD.
Its mix of Close-up, stand-up, and stage material was great and should have something for everyone.
All though Scott’s performance style may not match your own (it shouldn’t) I believe this DVD would
benefit most magicians. So check out the 10 O’clock show, or don’t, the choice is yours.
4.5/5 Stars
I personally enjoy Scott Alexander and his performance style. I enjoy how he looks at magic and the
twist and additions he gives to classic plots. The 10 O’clock show is filled with great useable
material. Below I will go through each effect so that you can get a feel for the DVD.
The
Hat
A shot glass disappears and reappears under a hat several times and the routine concludes
with the production of a double shot glass. This seems like a fun routine and Scott gives the some
helpful and interesting methods for the production of liquid. A great routine.
Sense of
Color
This is Scott’s take on the classic color-changing silk effect. He says that he created
this as his personality couldn’t fit the classic Billy McComb routine. Scott explains everything you
need to know for this routine. He builds all the gimmicks in the studio and teaching you how to make
the silk fountain for the effect. To answer your question, yes you can use it close up as Scott has.
Matches Melt
This is Scott’s take on the classic and now near politically incorrect
“Cigarette in Coat”. Scott has made this effect into a full routine with a production of a glass of
liquid from the volunteers coat to end the routine. This one is a crowd please and having used this
in performance I can say Scott’s tips breathe new life into this classic!
Jumping Jacks
I loved this routine! For playing card jacks turn into actual jacks, then Scott does a matrix
with them. To wrap up the routine, Scott has actually found a justified and realistic use for the
Bounce No Bounce Balls. It’s not brain-melting magic but it does make for a fun routine.
Nailed
Take one part Las Vegas Showman + a Tool Belt + a Deck of Cards and you get this
fantastic routine. The cards are fairly mixed, placed into their box and nailed to a board. The
volunteers tear off cards and the mentalist or tool man is able to know what cards they have
selected. This is great and one of my favorites on the DVD. This is a great parlor effect, I love
it.
Diving Fork
A napkin and fork are borrowed, and a card is selected and lost in the
deck. After the deck is wrapped in the napkin the fork is thrust through the napkin and the deck and
in the tines of the fork is their selected card. This effect is impromptu, uses little sleight of
hand, and has great visual impact. This is a good forking trick!
A Short Story
You show
the audience your short story which is written on some blank playing cards. The volunteer, and in
this case, fellow writer names any four-letter word, and that same word is the same word that ends
your short story. This close-up effect is designed to be done when the performer is seated. It looks
clean and is different than a pick a card effect.
Cons:
The title of the DVD would
suggest you will see a full evening show. All though you receive a full show worth of routines you
do not get to see Scott perform a full show. The DVD is set up in effect, explanation, effect,
explanation format. Personally, I enjoy seeing Scott perform and this lack of show from the 10
O’clock show was a small let down.
The routines presented are shot in studio; however, some
would have benefited from live performance.
Overall:
I really enjoyed this DVD. Its
mix of Close-up, stand-up, and stage material was great and should have something for everyone. All
though Scott’s performance style may not match your own (it shouldn’t) I believe this DVD would
benefit most magicians. So check out the 10 O’clock show, or don’t, the choice is yours.
(4.5 Stars out of 5)
One of the best DVDs ever. Highly recommended. Good material, good instruction.
Scott is a true pro. I've seen Scott perform his act in person. I've also attended his live
lectures. Everyone will benefit from watching this DVD. Scott offers well-developed professional
routines that pack a large wallop.