Ex-Zep Bassist Plans New Solo Album For February

NEW YORK (AP) - Hot off his fall tour opening for King Crimson, former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has set a February 5 release date for his next album, The Thunderthief, on Crimson leader Robert Fripp's Discipline Global label.

Jones recorded the nine-song effort at his home studio in England, and he plays most of the instruments on it. Guitarist Fripp, however, makes a special guest appearance on the track "Leafy Meadows." Jones is expected to tour in support of The Thunderthief following its release.

Jones told earlier this year that he is constantly writing new material, but the creative process is much different for him than it is for most musicians. "I write away from instruments. If I sit down with an instrument, I'll forget that I'm writing a song and just end up noodling, you know? So, I write my riffs, usually, out on walks-go out and walk and take a bit of manuscript paper so I can remember, you know, I jot down what it is," he explained.