Magic Tricks

Jamy Ian Swiss is a close-up magician, a former magic-bartender, and a stand-out writer in our field. His thoughts on over 35 years in magic, as well as his sharp clarity of mind made this lecture a joy to watch. Jamy gives compelling reasons for each decision he's made, regarding moves and trick construction, while keeping the lecture moving at a steady pace.

As one might expect from someone as well-read as Jamy, his instruction for each effect is punctuated with rich crediting as well as his tips on classic moves (side-steal) and theoretical musings. I particularly liked his thoughts on Card on Ceiling-a plug for the thumbtack method (not the version he teaches here)-which I didn't expect I'd find myself agreeing with.

Jamy's got a slightly acerbic style, which you may find either refreshing or jarring (he doesn't hesitate to call out a spectator who's tending to her phone during his performance), or perhaps both, simultaneously. (At the very least, I can imagine this has suited him well as a New York bartender.)

Overall, this is a terrific few hours with a very well-read read, clear-thinking, opinionated New York close-up magician. His astute observations regarding tricks, moves and psychology make this a lecture for multiple viewings, as you are certain to uncover gems that escaped your attention the first time you watched it.