Biography
Carmen Mastren earned recognition as an outstanding rhythm guitarist whose understated contributions enhanced countless sessions, even though he seldom drew attention to his own work. His musical path began with banjo and violin, after which he concentrated on guitar. Early experience came through a family band, and he turned professional in 1931. Relocating to New York in 1935 led to engagements with Wingy Manone followed by membership in Tommy Dorsey’s big band from 1936 to 1940, during which he supplied occasional arrangements for the leader. His 1940 recordings with the Sidney Bechet-Muggsy Spanier Big Four rank among his best-known work. From 1940 to 1941 he performed with Joe Marsala, after which he established himself as a studio musician. Military service occupied 1943 through 1945 and included participation in Glenn Miller’s Army Air Force Band; once discharged, he resumed studio work, most notably holding a lengthy position at NBC from 1953 to 1970. During the 1970s he returned to jazz on a sporadic basis, appearing with the New York Jazz Repertory Company. His sole album as leader, issued by Mercury in 1967, took the form of a commercial Dixieland session on which he performed exclusively on banjo.