The JOHN LISTER PROJECT

ORIGINAL HARD ROCK/PROG ROCK MUSIC

The John Lister Project

The John Lister Project (JLP) consists of the work of composer/musician/producer John Lister, who has created a series of albums of prog rock or classi rock original songs. These songs are all played note by note on real instruments, rather than using any AI or performance samples or drum loops.

Keeping the human element of music alive is important to John, as it is the way music conveys emotion, inspiration and that mysterious 'something' that AI will never be able to imitate.

All of the JLP's music is original, all inspired and grouped into different theme albums.

I hope you enjoy your journey through this music and will become a fan

Latest News

(starting with most recent)

A Glowing Review

Apr 17, 2026 Admin

We received a very good review from A&R Factory. Tap or click above to view it on their website.

You may watch and listen to Highwayman on YouTube by tapping or clicking here.

Musical Bratwurst

Coming later in 2026 Admin

A butcher's choice of musical selections, to be developed and released at some point later in 2026

Hands On (coming soon)

May 2026 Admin

This coming album will feature more actual instruments and less MIDI. For example, bass guitar parts won't be played on a keyboard, they will be played on a bass guitar. I will keep this method for many of the other instruments, but it will slow down the recording process. I have a feeling it will be worth it though.

Stereophonic Gods

Apr 2026 Admin

This concept album features themes based on ancient gods, and once more utilizes the talented Doug Takacs on some of the vocals. One somg, 'The Devil's Courtroom' is eight minutes long, as I venture more into the idea of a concept album, rather than shorter songs. It also rocks in a prog rock style.

The Traveller

Feb, 2026 Admin

Continuing the theme of 'Journeys of a Soul', the traveler features songs about travel. This time I had the pleasure of having Doug Takacs providing some of the vocals, which brought a lot more life to the album. This one is even a little more rocky and energetic, so I hope you will enjoy!

Creatures

Feb 2026 Admin

The new album is based around wild creatures, their habitat and the fears or beliefs surrounding some of them. Let's just say that the person in 'Journeys of a Soul' has made it to a wild part of the earth and encounters various living threats. As always, it is hard classic rock, combined with some prog rock.

Journeys of a Soul

Jan 2026 Admin

'Journeys of a Soul' is the second JLP album, released in Jan 2026. It continues with the theme of prog rock / hard rock, with the sounds of guitars, A B3 organ, drums, bass, and other instruments. The songs are based on travel, sometimes actual physical travel, or mental or spiritual voyages.

First Album Released

Dec 27, 2025 Admin

A series of songs with similar words for titles, each song based on the concept that the word describes. A very different method of song writing. All songs composed by myself, performed, recorded and produced by me as well. What's next? A series of new albums, each based on a different concept.

First Track is Created

Dec 15, 2025 Admin

The first track of the new project is called 'Projections', based on the word 'Project'. It's a complex and fast rocker, with Hammond Organ, Electric Guitars and even an orchestra with tympani drums near the ending. It was worth the effort, and I'm happy with how it turned out. Now to do a dozen more for the coming album.

A Plan is Born

Nov 14, 2025 Admin

After years of creating original music in a number of genres, it finally occured to me to stick to one style of music and create a following of fans and supporters for it. My greatest love is the more complex classic rock, like Deep Purple and Pink Floyd, plus progressive rock like Yes and ELP. Hopefully, my own productions will bring some of those memories back in those who listen to it.