Carl Rey is a 30 year veteran of the Jazz and Blues music scene. A consummate performer with a classic "old style" delivery honed to a contemporary edge; Carl Rey is known for his strong vocals and clean harmonica sound. His band the Blues Gators features Truck Mills guitar and vocals, Deirdre Hill/double bass, Don Kellman/tenor and baritone sax, and Marc Clarke/drums. The Blues Gators are also often joined by special guest Frank Chiaverini/guitar. Together Carl Rey and the Blues Gators offer a varied and danceable blend of Jump, Blues and Swing that is uniquely their own.

"Carl Rey and the Blues Gators; if you get a chance to see 'em or pick up a copy of any CD do so immediately"
-Indie Blues, London U.K.

"Carl Rey, one of the best kept secrets of the Inland Northwest"
-Walla Walla Blues Society

"Carl Rey and the Blues Gators are a tight in the pocket band" Inland Empire Blues Society

"Rey has a unique quality of voice and presentation - his daddy-o suit and rat tail slinking down his back - cool baby cool"
-The Inlander, Spokane

"North Idaho's' Carl Rey and the Blues Gators performed a fantastic set of Jump Blues to an enthusiastic crowd"
-Spokesman Review, Spokane

Carl Rey has received the I.E.B.S. award for best harmonica in 1999, 2000 and 2001; garnering him a “Hall of Fame Award; as well as best male vocalist for 2001 and best blues harmonica for 2006. Carl Rey and the Blues Gators have also received I.E.B.S. award nominations for best CD (NW region) 2000, and best blues band 2000 and 2002.

Carl Rey and the Blues Gators have appeared at the Ritzville Blues Fest 1998 thru 2001, the Sunbanks Festival 1998, '99, 2001,’04 and ‘06, Bronze Blues and Brews 2000, Kenniwick Untapped Blues and Brews 2001, Schweitzer Mt. Blues and Brews 1999 thru 2005 , Festival at Sandpoint 2001, Rock Cut Blues Fest 2001, ’02 and ‘04, the Spokane Pig Out 2001 and ’02, The Spokane Blues Festival 2004 and ’05, the Walla Walla Hot August Blues 2001 and the Mt. Helena Music Fest 2004.