Our friends from the South. Loop Collective are another bunch of young London based improvisers supporting their new and exciting music. We have been lucky enough to have artists such as Al Bonney, Mark Hanslip, Robin Finker, Jim Hart's Gemini, Outhouse, Dave Manningon and Alcyona play at our nights and in return have collaborated with Loop events at the Oxford Pub, London.

Our friends in the North. LIMA, the Leeds Improvised Music Association, builds on the city's bustling underground music scene, unifying performances and promotion and broadening relationships between fellow, like-minded musicians on their ever busy list of events. Cobweb is looking forward to future collaborations between the two organizations.

A friendly, intimate venue on the outer reaches on London, it is the home for innovative forward-thinking improvisation. The home ground for many London based Jazz musicians, it is often frequented by Loop Collective members and hosted the earconnector first birthday party featuring the likes of Al Bonney, Hans Koller, Kenny Wheeler and Birmingham's own Massacre!!

Jibbering records is one of the most vibrant and energetic companies operating within Birmingham. Based from their record shop in Moseley centre, stocking all manner of beats and treats, they also run a record label, and events management in Moseley's Bulls Head and Kings Heaths Hare and Hounds featuring such acts as The Destroyers and reggae outfit Friendly Fire. They also run the annual Shambala festival.

A great music resource set up and managed by London based musicians Al Bonney and Hans Koller. The site boasts reems of live gigs and studio recordings from British and international artists and is updated monthly with new audio delights. Artists include Stan Sultzman, Kenny Wheeler and Jeff Williams. A great inspiration when setting up cobwebcollective.com.

...because its really not. Probably the second biggest influence on building cobwebcollective.com. Highlights include the Dancing Rotunda game and 'What people have said' and 'Terry Savalas looks at Birmingham'.

A blog run by Pete Ashton to inform people about the on-goings of the 'creative industries' involved in Birmingham's regeneration and the people behind it. Its constantly updated news feed airs the work of local artists and gives insight to forthcoming events in the city. A roster of featured people commanding attention 'Created in Birmingham' is visible on the homepage. Good Stuff.

Production company Serious are responsible for the appearances of many international acts on the jazz calender that pass through the city, which has included Pat Metheney and Brad Meldhau, Giles Peterson, the BBC Bing Band and Joshua Redman. They also run the award scheme 'Take Five', annual grants assisting young, emerging jazz musicians to pursue artistic projects.

Jazz Services is on of the largest and most influential bodies, promoting and funding jazz music across the country. Its aimis to provide information and guidance for musicians and promoters with programmes such as their free Support Schemes for Touring, Recording and Promoters awards. The organization also manages the largest UK database of live events, providing listings for the whatsons of many nationwide publications.

The British publication online resource covering the national scene. Recently featured was Cobweb's Launch at the Drum arts centre. Also a very fine online store stocked with cd's, literature and educational publications.

A collection of reviews, articles and musings from the Birmingham Post's reviewer Peter Bacon. With a passion for creative music happening within the city and the young talent it produces, this frequently updated online diary serves as a great document of Birmingham's activities. A stout breakfast is the most important part of any diet.

jazzdoublebass.com

A free resource to Bass players of all levels, ages and backgrounds providing transcriptions, articles, interviews, forums, video lessons, ear training and lots more - and the good thing - it's all totally free. Set up and managed by Birmingham resident Tyrone Bishop.