Carmen Mastren

Biography

A superior tempo guitarist, Carmen Mastren uplifted many periods along with his subtle using but was seldom in the limelight himself. He began playing banjo and violin before focusing on guitar. He performed in a family group music group and in 1931 became a specialist. After shifting to NY in 1935, Mastren caused Wingy Manone and Tommy Dorsey’s big music group (1936-40). He also sometimes contributed agreements to Tommy Dorsey. In 1940 Mastren documented using the Sidney Bechet-Muggsy Spanier Big Four, most likely his most well-known recordings. He caused Joe Marsala from 1940-41, became a studio room musician, served within the Military from 1943-45 (including getting section of Glenn Miller’s Military Air Force Music group), and after his discharge returned in to the studios including an extended stint (1953-70) at NBC. In the 1970s, Mastren sometimes performed jazz including performances with the brand new York Jazz Repertory Firm. Strangely more than enough, Mastren’s one record as a head (from 1967 for Mercury) is really a commercial Dixieland time where he exclusively has banjo.

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