If you're a big jazz fan and want better ways to access great music via the world wide web, then you'll be happy to know there's an incredible range of tools and resources at your fingertips. Below, we've listed a few of them to give you some pointers on the best places to look for great new jazz online.

1) Online Stores

 

Online music stores are an incredible resource in the current digital era - CDs are rapidly falling short of the mp3 - the most common file format for digitised music. Being able to find anything from Coltrane to Dexter Gordon at the drop of a hat and have the music on your computer, mp3 player or home sound system in minutes is a great joy.

2) Forums and Social Networks

If you're curious about whether anyone online might be able to point you in the direction of great music, worry not - they can. The online space hosts communities for anything from jazz music to partypoker, so it's not hard to join up to one, or get a social networking an account, and ask questions and read posts and status updates to get a better handle on the jazz scene.

3) Video/Audio Streaming

There are many services, some globally recognised as the first stop for a particular medium, that offer video and/or audio streaming. It's worth checking out sites like these - SoundCloud, YouTube, MySpace, Vimeo, to name some - as you'll discover everything from footage of classic performances to modern jazz that you may not have heard of until you started browsing. A great way to relax and enjoy some music, both audibly and visually.

These are just some starting ideas, but it provides you with a great way to get involved with the jazz scene and update yourself a little. Have fun, and enjoy listening to the music that you love.