Carmen Mastren
Carmen Mastren was an American jazz guitarist, banjoist, and violinist who was a member of the Tommy Dorsey orchestra from 1936–1941.Career
Mastren became a professional musician in 1934 when he joined the Wingy Manone and Joe Marsala band. During the 1940s, he spent four years as a guitarist and arranger for Tommy Dorsey. After his time with Marsala, he was a studio musician, recorded with Sidney Bechet, then entered the U.S Army. He was a member of the Glenn Miller Air Force big band. From the early 1950s to 1970, he worked as a studio musician for NBC. He recorded one solo album, on which he played banjo instead of guitar.
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
With Sidney Bechet & Muggsy Spanier
With Tommy Dorsey
With Bud Freeman
With Bobby Hackett
With Dick Hyman And His Orchestra
With Quincy Jones
With Wingy Manone & Joe Marsala
With the Wolverine Orchestra
