Classically trained from the age of nine, CR Gruver has traveled down many roads on his journey through the world of music. Raised by music-loving and supportive parents he was introduced to many forms of music, including big-band and jazz, eventually drifting towards rock, blues, and R&B. He enjoyed growing local success in the Philadelphia area through the '90's, and wound up in the Southeast, touring extensively for a couple years. This would lead CR to Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Angie Aparo, who gave CR his first experience with a major label (Arista Records) and the modern-rock/pop world. His keyboard rig changed from piano and Hammond organ to synthesizers, triggers, and sequencers, adding a whole new world of knowledge to his expanding arsenal. Early morning radio shows, television appearances, and intensive van-touring for 18 months as the keyboardist for Aparo taught CR valuable lessons about the workings of the music industry and would bring him finally to Denver Colorado in 2000.
CR spent a short 6 months with jam-band Mountain of Venus touring the New England states, and returned to Denver in 2001. He spent 5 years in Denver, and in that time went from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most respected and sought-after keyboardists in Colorado. He sharpened his skills even more playing numerous styles with a wide variety of musicians, locally and nationally, including Leo Nocentelli, Jimmy Herring, P-nut Daniels, Bernie Worrell, Jeff Pevar, Jo Jo Herman and Eric McFadden. He was a founder and member of Denver power-trio Polytoxic, hitting the road again for a year-and-a-half throughout the Southeast and West coast. Polytoxic went on to win "Best Jam/Improv Band, Westord Showcase" award two years in a row (2005, 2006), "Best Jam Band" (Marquee magazine, 2006) and the Westword Magazine's award of "Best Live Concert, 2005" for their re-enactment of The Band's "Last Waltz". The experience with Polytoxic, in which CR played left-hand bass and right-hand keys, honed his skills even further. He took on the roles of management, booking, and accounting, which led to starting his production company, Tabima Enterprises, in 2005.
While in Denver he was spotted by Atlanta-based Outformation in 2003, and began sitting in with them at shows across the country. Playing places over the next couple years like New Orleans, and festivals like Bonnaroo, Outformation brought CR even further into the light as a legitimate member of the music community. Splitting his time between Outformation and Polytoxic, 2006 brought more travelling and higher-profile opportunities. The disbanding of Polytoxic gave CR more time to play with Outformation, and their September '06 tour ended with a two-night stand opening for Widespread Panic at the Charlottesville Pavilion. 2007 would bring Outformation to full-time status and put them on the road for over 130 shows. CR also played alot in New Orleans, embracing and studying the uniqueness of the music of the city.
2008 has started off strong. CR's plan is to immerse himself in the music and rhythms that are unique to New Orleans, while continuing to tour nationally with Outformation and upholding his motto of "Trying to make the world a better-sounding place".
