PEABODY - The world's greatest jazz violinist, Jean-Luc Ponty, opened a US tour Wednesday night before a thrilled, standing-room crowd of about 60 at a bookstore here.

He played three songs from "Life Enigma," his first studio album since 1993, and then answered questions and signed memorabilia for fans, some of whom drove two hours for a taste of his music. Before playing, he begged indulgence, saying, "I never did this before, but I'm taking a little more time, now that I'm older." He played alone, backed only by a CD of instrumental tracks he said he had recorded.

Ponty, who turned 59 a week ago, said he's spent the past few years in semiretirement, growing fruit trees on a farm in Normandy. He said he wasn't sure he ever wanted to record again. But he kept a diary in the intervening years, and eventually felt he had enough ideas for a new album. He also said that his Web site has allowed him more contact with fans than ever before.

"I received lots of messages asking for a new Ponty, preferably like the old Ponty," he said to laughs. "And since I'm getting older, that's fine with me."

After six more Borders bookstore dates, Ponty is to begin a schedule of concert-hall shows Oct. 29. No Boston-area date is scheduled, but Jim Lewis, Ponty's manager, said in an interview that talks were to be conducted yesterday for a show at Berklee Performance Center, possibly as part of a week of master classes at the music college.

So why was a world-re knowned musician opening his tour in a bookstore? "I don't know how many years I'll be doing this. My career is not my priority, and I like being able to meet the people." And what is the priority, if not career? "My wife and children, and learning about life."