None of the Above?
- One common theme among all the choices, whether in Wayne's list or in the posted responses, is that every name is known to the magic community. The fact is, however, that many of the "best" performers are little known to the wider magic community. They are out there working, and in many cases could not care less about recognition from colleagues. For example, I would rate Matt Furman as one of the best close-up magicians ever, yet when we walked around MAGIC Live, he caused nary a ripple. Certainly there are many other superb performers out there who focus far more on getting paid gigs than about impressing other magicians. To be clear -- the names Wayne listed, as well as all the others proposed by readers, are worthy contenders; just be aware that some may or may not be "best" in terms of pleasing a paying audience.
- —Guest Ken Weber
The Best in Close-Up
- My opinion is based primarily on the quality of entertainment. Why do magic for a lay audience unless you intend to please them in this category? Technical skills aside, based on your 10 choices, Bill Malone #1, Mike Ammar #2 and Paul Gertner #3. The rest will fall where they may. These performers exhibit a magnificently entertaining style, charm and delivery.
- —Guest Nick Maggio
Richard Turner
- Richard should be in the honorable mention section.
- —Guest Mike Jackson
your list
- While your list is good, you should put your caveats: best in closeup (sleight of hand?), in your geographical area, American. Your list is a mix of good perfomers and technicians. J.A.Palmer deserves to be on the best performers list. However, many of the others are more technically good but not necessarily the best performers (Vigil and Gertner, for example).
- —MrFinch
Great List
- Tough to hit the sweet spot between performance and creativity. I would agree with others about Paul Harris and Lennart Greene - genius minds!
- —Guest Oscarf
Top 10 as I see it
- Looking at the top 10 feedback, people have to realize that being a great magician is more than technical skill, It has to be combined with wit, charm, presentation skill, etc... to make the list. Johnny deserves #1, seeing him live, it doesn't get any better. Card guys are great, if you are looking at only card magicians. All that said, Tamariz yes, Lennert green appeals more to magicians for ability not entertainment, Carney is great, Apollo Robbins
- —Guest Danny Magic
Johnny Ace Palmer
- I agree, Johnny Ace Palmer is the best. He is charming, likable, and his magic Kills, He has thought out every move during his routines, His skill level is amazing, a true entertainer.
- —Guest Danny Magic
Top 10 Magicians of our Time
- Greetings Wayne, You have compiled a very extensive list of excellent close-up magicians. One magician who I believe deserves a possibility of achieving the list is a magician that is an all around entertainer who warms the hearts of all he performs for and is as terrific off the stage as he is on it. That performer is....ALDO COLOMBINI. He has been honored by the Magic Castle numerous times and is loved by other magicians. His routines are based on simplicity giving the highest entertainment impact and very rarely, if ever has he failed to accomplish both of those for his audiences. It is Aldo that I believe could very easily make your list of top notch performers. Thanks for asking for comments. I appreciate that very much. Cheers, George :o)
- —Guest George Zuk
Eugene Burger
- I would've included Eugene Burger on the list. I am a magician because of the influence of Eugene. When I first saw him in a lecture his magic, to me, was like poetry. Then when I studied his philosophy on the performance of magic my eyes were opened by how to do things right and how not to do the wrong things. Magic is created in the minds of the audience not on how good of a finger-flinger you are.
- —Guest Steve M
Dean Dill
- You should have included Dean Dill on your ten best closeup magicians list. Some of the magicians on your list go to Dean for advice on how best to do an effect. Dean can take an effect and in a few minutes, come up with a better presentation then was originally used to perform the effect. I also think that Dean is one of the best closeup card and coin magicians I have ever seen. and believe me, I have seen the best. Barry Sokolsky
- —Guest Sokolsky
Top Ten Closeups
- Considering that we're ALL closeups here, 10's a bit cramped, should be top 30, or more. Dr.Green meets all the criteria, I've seen most and he's still on the A list. I don't know who I'd bounce of the 10. Just make it 11.
- —Guest Paul Coff
I'm confused
- Ricky Jay is on your list for Top Ten Magicians of our Time, but doesn't make number one on your Top Ten Close Up Magicians of our time? Johnny Ace Palmer? A deep mystery to me. My TOP TEN: 1. Juan Tamariz 2. Eugene Burger 3. Ricky Jay 4. John Carney 5. Dave Williamson 6. Armando Lucero 7. Lennart Green 8. Paul Vigil 9. Paul Gertner 10. Cyril Takayama
- —Guest Christopher
My favorite
- I don't know if he fits the criteria of being active in trade shows and such, but for me, it's Paul Harris; creative, off-the-wall, hugely influential, and a great teacher of magic.
- —Guest davidigor
Personal Favorite
- I haven't seen all the magicians on your list, but my personal favorite is George Tovar. He may not have qualified under your requirements for this list, but he's the most entertaining close-up artist I've personally seen.
- —Guest Kevin Daniel
top ten close up magicians
- Don't leave out Doc Eason or Michael Close. These two guys are sharp and funny, especially Doc.
- —jmallendds
