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. He was a superior rhythm guitarist who uplifted many sessions with his subtle playing but was rarely in the spotlight himself.
Sid Weiss, Carmen Mastren, Wingy Mannone and Joe Marsala.
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Glem Miller |
After his discharge he returned to New York, but his
attention seemed to be more oriented towards conducting and composing. He discovered
that light music gave him greater economic satisfaction and progressively
neglects jazz. He became accompanist to Morton Downey, providing music for
Songs By Morton Downey on CBS-Radio (1948); The Morton Downey Show (Mohawk
Showroom) on NBC-TV (1949). Mastren also worked with Raymond Scott, Ray
McKinley and Mel Powell.
In 1953 Mastren rejoined N.B.C. where until 1970 he
played for –The Today Show, The Tonight Show and Say When!!. He also recorded a
single, "Spaghetti Rag," with Robert Maxwell in the mid-1950s. Mastren
only released one album under his own name in 1967, the spectacular looking and
sounding Banjorama on Mercury. Mastren demonstrated his technical prowess with his banjo on the album,
backed by a veteran band of session men including guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli
and pianist Dick Hyman (appearing as
"The Renowned Ricardo").
In the 1970’s Mastren went freelance , writing jingles
and playing with the New York Jazz Repertory Company and recording with them on
guitar and banjo. By the end of the decade he was taking things easy and working
round New York with singer Betty Comora, amongst others. He also appeared in
the 1980 film “Stardust Memories as a cabaret patron.
Mastren died at age 68 from a heart attack on March 31,
1981 at his home in Valley Stream on Long Island, New York. In the history of
jazz his contribution remains, especially in the Thirties and Forties, that of
one of the greatest and most significant acoustic guitarists, an ideal
continuator of the path traced by Eddie Lang and Dick McDonough.
(Edited from Wikipedia, Rough Guide to Jazz, AllMusic
& Daily Green)
2 comments:
After a quick sweep of the Internet I found a few of Mastern’s recordings which I have put in two folders. The first being his only album as a leader. The second as a sideman and an orchestra leader on radio shows.
For “Carmen Mastern – Banjorama” (and extra’s) go here:
https://www.upload.ee/files/10565263/Carmen_Mastern.rar.html
1. Banjorama
2. Bye Bye Blues
3. Medley No. 1: Sweet Sue; If You Knew Susie
4. Medley: Liebestraum; Dark Eyes
5. Strumin' Along
6. O Susanna; When Johnny Comes Marching Home; Oh Dem Golden Slippers; Camptown Races
7. Banjo Rock
8. Alabamy Bound
9. Medley: Chicago; Dardenalla
10. Medley No. 2: I've Been Workin' On The Railroad; You Are My Sunshine; Deep In The Heart Of Texas
11. Interlude
12. Medley: Swanee River; Soft Shoe; Dixie
Carmrn Masttern – Extra’s
01 carmen-mastren-swingin-at-that-famous-door (1935)
02 Farewell Blues - The Delta Four - Roy Eldridge. (1936)
03 billie-holiday-where-is-the-sun.(1937)
04 carmen-mastren-pistol-packin-mama.(1944)
05 mel-powell-indiana. (1945)
06 mel-powell-on-the-sunny-side-of-the-street (1945)
07 songs-by-morton-downey-1st-heartbreaker.(1948)
08 ongs-by-morton-downey-1st-im-just-a-fella.
09 songs-by-morton-downey-1st-that-5-oclock-feelin
10 Spaghetti Rag.(1950)
Thanks!
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