Carmen Mastren

Carmen Mastren (born Carmine Nicholas Mastrandrea; 6 October 1913 – 31 March 1981) was an American jazz guitarist, banjoist, and violinist who was a member of the Tommy Dorsey orchestra from 1936–1941.

Carmen Mastren
Birth nameCarmine Nicholas Mastrandrea
Born(1913-10-06)October 6, 1913
Cohoes, New York, U.S.
DiedMarch 31, 1981(1981-03-31) (aged 67)
Long Island, New York
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, arranger
InstrumentsGuitar, banjo, violin
Years active1930s–1970s
LabelsMercury
Associated actsTommy Dorsey

Career

Mastren became a professional musician in 1934 when he joined the Wingy Manone and Joe Marsala band.[1] During the 1940s, he spent four years as a guitarist and arranger for Tommy Dorsey.[1] After his time with Marsala, he was a studio musician, recorded with Sidney Bechet, then entered the U.S Army.[1] He was a member of the Glenn Miller Air Force big band.[1] From the early 1950s to 1970, he worked as a studio musician for NBC.[1] He recorded one solo album, on which he played banjo instead of guitar.[1]

During the 1940s Mastren worked as musical director and conductor for Morton Downey, and from 1954–1970 Mastren played for The Today Show, The Tonight Show and Say When!! on NBC. Mastren died at age 68 from a heart attack on March 31, 1981 at his home in Valley Stream on Long Island, New York.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Sidney Bechet & Muggsy Spanier

  • Bechet-Spanier Quartet (Allegro Elite)

With Tommy Dorsey

  • Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (Victor)
  • The Song Is You w/ Frank Sinatra (RCA)
  • Blue Orchids (Victor)

With Bud Freeman

  • Jazz Vignettes (Mercury)

With Bobby Hackett

  • Jazz Impressions of Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" (Epic)

With Dick Hyman And His Orchestra

  • Satchmo Remembered: The Music of Louis Armstrong at Carnegie Hall (Atlantic)

With Quincy Jones

With Wingy Manone & Joe Marsala

With the Wolverine Orchestra

References
  1. Yanow, Scott. "Carmen Mastren". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 September 2019.


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