John Paul Jones [ tickets ], famed as the bassist/keyboardist of Led Zeppelin before making his mark as a composer, arranger and producer, is readying his first U.S. solo tour to support the release of his first solo album.

''Zooma'' is set to hit record stores on Sept. 14, and a three-week tour is scheduled to start Oct. 12 in Northampton, Mass.

The album is being marketed as a return to rock for Jones, but with an emphasis on his avant-garde influences. It will be released by Robert Fripp's Discipline Global Mobile label.

Jones composed and produced all nine tracks on the album, and also played several instruments.

Among the artists Jones has collaborated with since the heyday of Led Zeppelin are R.E.M., Heart, The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Butthole Surfers, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno.