Norside

Norside has rapidly established themselves as one of the most thrilling new acts on today&#39;s instrumental groove scene. Anchored by a deep-pocket rhythm section and fearless improvisation, this organ trio brings a raw, no-frills energy that feels both timeless and unmistakably of the moment. The trio features Glenn Strother (<a href="spotify:artist:6LkMzeNRogNa7X5D85vFDq" data-name="Glenn Strother Project">Glenn Strother Project</a>, Jazzam) on guitar, Steve Ippolito (<a href="spotify:artist:6Krd6fRKlUL2XuOkYtqKAd" data-name="Steve Ippolito">Steve Ippolito</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:29YTYnDCg0GXNGv3pSgn7t" data-name="The Clock Reads">The Clock Reads</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:74fgnoMTNfvWwayrEMa3lT" data-name="The Commonheart">The Commonheart</a>) on drums, and Skip Sanders (<a href="spotify:artist:2lAPrQNoGqedH9JVzOi5y0" data-name="The Clarks">The Clarks</a>) on organ.

Forged in the spirit of Pittsburgh’s working-class roots, Norside’s 2026 release, ‘Coal &amp; Soul’, channels the grit, groove, and raw energy of the Rust Belt into a modern soul-jazz statement. Built around the timeless organ trio format, Norside blends deep-pocket funk rhythms, blues-soaked improvisation, and contemporary jazz influences into what the band calls “Rust Belt Music.” The title Coal &amp; Soul reflects the dual heartbeat of the record. “Coal” symbolizes the hardworking industrial backbone of the region, and “Soul” represents the deep musical spirit running through every track.

In a remarkably short time, Norside has shared the stage with some of the heaviest names in funk, soul, and jazz including <a href="spotify:artist:6mWEaOFdcN3s30GuFWruGO" data-name="Soulive">Soulive</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1DJVvIcjKhdedkuGRzW7PG" data-name="The New Mastersounds">The New Mastersounds</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:0Z4CzYz9ieK8q9XiVMPkW5" data-name="The Bar-Kays">The Bar-Kays</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:10NEMYLJwVvYSvtvZn5Ipz" data-name="The Soul Rebels">The Soul Rebels</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:7gZpdFerSL21Z6544jJIzI" data-name="Cyril Neville">Cyril Neville</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5q4eLKmqFVP0xII8087PHz" data-name="The Budos Band">The Budos Band</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:4vQfCyWudvaMXgyyPmZavf" data-name="Dwayne Dolphin">Dwayne Dolphin</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:6K3y3iIr8MirEFfP0yfj6n" data-name="Steeltown Horns">Steeltown Horns</a>, and more. With a reputation for explosive live performances and a sound that hits hard while staying deeply musical, Norside is fast becoming a must-see band on the rise.