The following information is reprinted here, with Aldo's permission, from his lecture notes. Thank you, Aldo, for sharing them with us.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." by Aristotle
IT IS THE EFFECT THAT MATTERS, NOT THE METHOD OF ACHIEVING IT!
The manner in which I approach magic as well as the "goal" I try to achieve is expressed simply as follows: Magic is direct, easy and commercial. I do not know any other way of presenting this fascinating art. I try to keep everything as simple as possible because I firmly believe that it is the effect that counts, not the method. The audience pays for what they see, not for what they do not see. If (for example) a card trick requires two palmings, two passes and ten Ascanio Spreads and I can do the same EFFECT with seven duplicates, you bet I use seven duplicates....because it is the effect that matters, not the method. Remember, it is the effect that you are showing to your audience, not the method. My friend, Karrell Fox used to say that this is the K.I.S.S. formula. (Keep It Simple Stupid) I prefer to say: Keep It Simple and Sweet!
YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS!
We do have a great advantage over the audience: We are the only ones who know! So: JUST DO IT! By this I mean: Do not feel guilty! You're using a double faced card? You are the only one who knows! You're using a gimmick? Nobody knows but you!
Walk in front of the audience with confidence and assurance, sure that you know your job. Smile and look into each spectator's eyes creating an immediate connectioin and a postive relationship between you, the artist and your audience.
In the following notes I am giving you simple, effective routines which will have a strong impact on any audience. They have been tested and proven to be winners. Sooooo.....
JUST DO IT! AND ENJOY!
Aldo Colombini
The Famous Jack of Spades Trick
There are a total of fifteen effects in Aldo's lecture notes. I have posted eleven of the effects here on the website. Aldo has requested that I do not post the following as he uses them in his close-up routines or are available as commercial effects. Thanks again, Aldo, for allowing me to share them with my visitors.
Snappy Matrix, Easy Going, Contact Colors and Pre-Deck-Ability.
(Pre-Deck-Ability is a killer and well worth the cost of the lecture notes!! MD)