CHAN CANASTA - A Remarkable Man

Script: David Britland: Narrator: Dave Kelly: Producer: Martin Breese

You have probably read all of the books on Chan Canasta and now, at long, last you can actually hear Chan Canasta performing some of his classic effects on this amazing audio CD.

In fact this is a complete programme on Chan Canasta.  It draws on Martin Breese’s extensive archive of sound recordings of Chan Canasta and comes complete with a booklet by David Britland in which further information is supplied.

You will hear Canasta live and then you will be given a complete description of each effect by the narrator.   The book test, for example, can be heard exactly as it was performed more than forty years ago and then each move is carefully explained in great detail.   The entire programme has been scripted by David Britland and is narrated by Dave Kelly, a professional voice-over artist and well known broadcaster.

Martin Breese produced and all sleeve graphics and designs are by Paul Griffin.

Martin Breese Comments:  I am exceptionally proud of this Magi-CD.   I have enjoyed making it. All of my magical friends and clients who have an enthusiasm for Chan Canasta are bound to find it stimulating and inspirational.

Percy Press died in 1980 at the age of 78. He was probably the last of the English Street Conjurors and learnt his craft working the streets of England. He was also a distinguished Punch and Judy worker. One this recording, made by Martin Breese, Percy Press talks about the effects that he performed on the street and gives details of his routines for his Cups and Balls, his Funny Funnel, the Cap and Pence routine, a card trick using a card box and his entertaining Coat, Ropes and Rings routine.

One of Percy's most baffling routines was his production of a full glass of water and on this recording he gives the complete routine so that anyone can learn to perform exactly the same effect. The production of a glass of water was the culmination of a coin through table routine. Anyone who wants to earn their living by working the streets with magic could learn a full act from just listening to this recording.

Percy Press was a clever and highly knowledgeable entertainer who must have worked his street act thousands and thousands of times. Just after this recording was made Percy Press died and a documentary film based on his life was shown on TV. The film lacked a sound track and this recording was used to fill the gap.

Many years ago I produced a book on Al Koran, 'The Magic of Al Koran'. This book has sold out twice and is likely to be reprinted soon. Basically the book contained everything that we could find on Al Koran and his magic. Virtually every word of his patter as used on TV was transcribed and experts helped us to identify each and every effect and gave clues as to which effect was being used and where it could be found. The book was adapted from my Al Koran audiocassette which is now available as a MagiCD.

If, like me, you are an Al Koran fan you will totally and completely absorbed by this CD recording. The first half consists of Goodliffe (the founder of Abracadabra Magazine) recounting his experiences and many meetings with Al Koran. Following Goodliffe's fascinating introduction you will then hear Al Koran performing many of his now classic routines in front of enthusiastic audiences. Even though I produced and released this recording about twenty years or so ago I am still put into a state of wonder as I hear the amazing Al Koran baffling and entertaining with his own brand of magic. My pal Graham Jolley - without doubt the UK's finest comedy mentalist - is, like me, a total Al Koran fan. Whenever we speak to each other we lapse into Al Koran speak and both of us know his patter almost off by heart. Graham saw Al Koran, he was mesmerised by his brilliant perfoming ability and I am sure that he will be the first to admit that much of his own success is as a result of studying Al Koran and his routines and presentation techniques. If you are into mentalism this is an essential recording to own.

Stephen King in his book Dance Macabre, a book that deals with horror in literature and film, pointed out that the only two kinds of movies which produced an audible reaction from an audience were comedy and horror.

It was Tony Shiels who pushed magic in the direction of horror and, long before magic-as-theatre became the latest fad, suggested that tricks could be made more entertaining if their presentations were more dramatic; perhaps a little out of the ordinary. Few took up the suggestion but those that did went on to found what is today known as Bizarre Magick; magic which involves those who witness it.

On this MagiCD, Tony takes clever effects, adds a little supernatural spice, a dash of shamanic showmanship and turns them into memorable theatre. This MagiCD will introduce you to the character of Tony 'Doc' Shiels, tell you a little of his background and influences and offer a glimpse of his extraordinary brand of Magick. Shutter the windows, bar the doors, sit back and enjoy this recording - if you dare! This is the second MagiCD™ from Martin Breese. It is a digitally re-mastered version of the original MagiCassette™ first released in 1988.

The Wine and Cheese Party
Simon Lovell

Two CD Set!

This is a MagiCD™ from Martin Breese. It is a digitally re-mastered version of the original MagiCassette™ first released in 1986. On this CD you will hear Richard Webster who is one of the world's leading experts on the art of cold reading. Richard Webster is a New Zealander who has been involved with Magic and Cold Reading for many, many years.

Richard used to release his own exclusive publications but now that he has achieved international fame he is published by a leading American publishing house. He has written books on a diverse range of subjects from Hypnotism to Fung Shui. Richard not only writes and speaks about Cold Reading but also has, for many years, earned his living from private readings given to his many clients. Contained on the MagiCD is the most comprehensive instruction on cold reading that you will ever receive. Richard provides detailed explanations and clear and precise readings that you can use once you have learned the techniques necessary.

Richard Webster was on his way back from the Frankfurt Bookfair in Germany and spent a couple of extra days in London so that we could make a new recording together. His first recording with me was Commercial Cold Reading which is one of our most successful releases. It gives all the necessary information for a magician or even layman to learn the art of cold reading. We must have sold hundreds and hundreds of these audio recordings and have just recently re-released this on CD in an improved digital form.

The new recording now available on CD updates all the information and provides valuable information that will help magicians improve their knowledge of cold reading. The slant in this recording is how to link magic and cold reading to great effect. A full routine is provided showing how a pack of cards can be used to give a cold reading.

Back in 1965 Fred Kaps gave a landmark lecture at the Magic Circle and now this lecture is available on CD together with a booklet containing a transcript of the lecture. Bearing in mind Fred Kaps' reputation, it is strange that so little has been written about the man and his methods.

Other than several magazine contributions, little of Fred Kaps' work exists in the English language. There are two sets of lecture notes, one dealing with general magic and the other describing some of the coin magic Kaps performed on a film made for magicians. Both seem to be still in print although the name of the publisher is not indicated in either and those copies in circulation today may well be unauthorised.

Although not an inventor, Kaps did have the ability to take any effect and make it a miracle by moulding it to his own personality; a personality which made it impossible for others to copy. This was one of the keys to Kap’s success. He made the trick part of himself. Its presentation was so interwoven with his own personality that it was impossible to imagine anyone else performing anything that Kaps had already done.

He did this again and again. The Floating Cork, Homing Card, Salt Pour, Surprise Stab, Blank Notes to Bank Notes, Chink A Chink and many others. After Kaps had performed the routine you could not imagine anyone else doing it better.

Many years ago we released this incredible lecture on a Magicassette together with a small booklet. The whole recording has now been digitized. The booklet has been redesigned and re-written and the entire package is available on CD with the booklet.

THE AMAZING JAMES RANDI ON URI GELLER AND ON SEALED ENVELOPE READING UNDER IMPOSSIBLE CONDITIONS

This recording was our biggest selling Magicassette and now it has been digitally remastered and made into a MagiCD for greater listening pleasure.

On this MagiCD James Randi exposes some of Uri Geller's most treasured secrets including Sealed Envelope Reading stunts under test conditions at a TV studio. This CD is full of general magic advice and James Randi draws on his extensive experience in the world of mentalism, escapology and illusion to provide fascinating material that is still exciting even though twenty years have passed since it was first recorded.

This was the first MagiCD to be released by Martin Breese. It is a digitally re-mastered version of the original MagiCassette™ first released in 1979. 

On this CD you will hear Sid Lorraine recounting his experience of the incredible Dr Jaks. The CD includes a live interview with Dr Jaks together with an extract from a TV performance in which Dr Jaks demonstrates some of his amazing skill at duplicating signatures whilst blindfolded. The digital re-mastering is magic in itself and most of the fuzziness of the original recording has been removed. All digital work was undertaken by Goldman Associates of Cambridge.

One magician who has always impressed and fooled me with his magic is David Berglas. Twenty five years ago I had the opportunity to interview him backstage after watching his one man show at Caesar's Palace in England. David captivated his audience with fast, skilled, entertaining and baffling magic.

Backstage I had the chance to talk to him for several hours and this recording, which has now been digitally improved, was the outcome. I tried to wrestle the secret of his amazing, Any Card at Any Number effect from him but with little success but he did perform it for me right there and then and every moment and move has been recorded live.

He talked about every aspect of his magic and those who inspired him and helped him to become the International Man of Magic. On this recording David reveals and teaches a stunning effect that can be performed impromptu using a pencil and a piece of paper. It is an effect that will help you to create your own reputation.

Watch out for David Berglas's major book on his life and magic. It has been written by David Britland, will be published by Jim Steinmeyer and will be one of magic's best sellers.

During the Summer of 1949 on BBC radio a young couple from Australia started broadcasting in London what seemed to be genuine feats of mindreading and telepathy.  The whole of Britain was stunned as messages were transmitted from BBC headquarters to places such as the Tower of London or an underwater diving bell. 

Despite the long range, Sydney and Lesley Piddington were apparently able to communicate with each other in a way that defied explanation.  The exact methods used have never been revealed and although many magicians claim to know exactly how they worked their act an explanation is rarely forthcoming. 

On this 70 minute MagiCD Patrick Page (who is the narrater) takes you on a fascinating trip to meet the Piddingtons.   You will hear them on British and Australian radio as well.  The script is by Barry Wiley.

This is the Professional Touch Vol One from Billy McComb - magic's most popular and respected magician. This Magi-CD features the material from Billy's first two Magicassette audio recordings made some time ago. The recordings have been digitally remastered by Goldman Associates, Cambridge, England and they sound as if they were recorded yesterday. 76 minutes of sound value.

The contents include information on the tricks that are right for you and how to find them. How to match your material to your performance. Billy's amazing presentation of the torn and restored newspaper, a complete section on cruise magic and how to prepare yourself should you get a cruise booking and full details on the trick that earned Billy two luxury cars and a couple of blocks of apartments: The Coin in Bottle. Here on this first Professional Touch recording are the thoughts of magic's most respected performer. Billy provides practical advice coupled with great trick ideas that you can use.

One of the joys of working with Billy McComb is that he has te total ability to speak on any magical subject at the nod of a head. He does not have to write a script or make notes or do anything whatsoever. As soon as a subject is mentioned, zap - and there eh is giving us the benefit of everything he knows about caberet or close-up or cruises or whatever. On this CD, which lasts for 72 minutes of pure joy, we open with a rare recording of a live performance being given by Billy on a cruise ship. He performs the Colour Changing Silks with the half-dyed finish and then moves on to the Stodare Egg effect (sucker silk to egg) and from the response to his gags and bits and pieces it is very clear that the audience are enjoying every single moment.

The rest of the recording takes place at his home in North London. There in the comfort of his magical sitting room Billy treats us to his thought, opinions, gags and ideas of a variety of subjects including on this CD specifically his ideas on caberet work and how to make yourself bookable. He discusses the types of venue you can expect and hecklers and heckler stoppers and then goes on to outline a variety of great opening effects. Next we move on to a very detailed explanation of exactly how he is going to perform his routine for the Himber Ring and this is followed by a live performance of the entire effect. Finally Billy deals with other aspects of performing in caberet and the plus and minsu aspects of silent acts and talking acts. This CD is the second in the series. It has been extracted from the many hours of recordings I have made with Billy McComb and which were released as MagiCassettes. These are now being digitally re-mastered for release on a series of CDs. Several reviews have described the Billy McComb recordings as being a Master Class in magic - and they are right!

As a young man, back in the 1940's, I was taken to St George's Theatre in London to see a magical show entitled Hey Presto. On the bill were Kuda Bux, Jasper Maskelyne and Robert Harbin. I was overwhelmed by the entire show and no wonder as I was being entertained by three magical greats. I was about 11 years old and went up on stage to assist Jasper Maskelyne with the illusion 'Through the Eye of a Needle'. As I walked out of the theatre I was determined that one day I would be a magician.

Little did I know that years later I would have the opportunity to sit down in Robert Harbin's apartment in London to interview him and gather together some of the threads of his life in magic. He told me his story from the very beginning and it was a story of determination, error and sheer genius.

We talked about Zig Zag and he said that only those who purchased his book had the right to manufacture a Zig Zag for their own use and he said that already there were many times more Zig Zags than copies of the book that he had published. He was saddened by the piracy but expressed very little bitterness. "There is little honour among we thieves," he said.

Here is Robert Harbin's life story. A tale of hardship, bitter experiences and how it all lead to his great success.

Terry Seabrooke is a genius at comedy. He has only to walk out in front of an audience and they begin to laugh. Here on this CD, which has been adapted from the original 1988 Magicassette audio recording, Terry explains how you take a standard prop and turn it into a comedy item.

Who would have thought of cutting a piece of wallpaper by getting a lady assistant to lie on it while he saws through her and the sheet of paper? Only Terry Seabrooke. Here on this master class he teaches you how to develop your own comedy magic routines and explains the essence of building comedy situations that will make your audience laugh. If you are thinking of creating your comedy routines you could spend the next twenty years developing your own style and approach but instead spend an hour or so listening to this CD and you’ll soon get to grips with the basics of how it all works.

Terry is the funniest magician I have seen; I have watched him entertaining lay audiences and magicians and they all fall under his spell. It is all here. It looks so easy but it requires careful planning and a lot of hard work and the inside info that you will find here.