The Poison Pie Publishing House presents:

August 1, 2026
No one traveled from Sparta, Athens or any other Greek city to Massalia by foot. Its remote location made passage by ship essential. That Papa Krokodeilos chose to walk to Massalia reflected a number of considerations. As they had recently experienced, maritime travel was exceedingly unpleasant for passengers, not to mention prohibitively expensive. He lacked a reason for a wealthy sponsor to pay their way to the distant colony. Finally, when a man has lived his entire life behind the mask of a crocodile, he is prone to attempt the unconventional.

written while listening to:  Phelan Burgoyne, Emanuele Maniscalco & Anders Christensen - On Thursday (Hout Records, HR 028, 2020, Switzerland, cd, discogs.com)

August 2, 2026
The band passed through the Arcadian city of Kleitor on their way to the border with Achaea. These people too loved music and invited the band to perform upon the stage of their grand theater. In payment for this performance, the band's provisions were replenished and two local secrets were shared. First, they were to avoid a specific natural fountain along the northern road, lest they drink of it and forever after find the taste of wine hateful. Second, they should listen carefully for the poikilía fish of the Aroanius River whose song is like that of thrushes.

written while listening to:  Guillaume Gargaud - Lost Chords (Dead Pilot Records, dead036, 2011, United Kingdom, cd, discogs.com)

August 3, 2026
Long they lingered in the wild hills between which the Aroanius flowed. Triballos, in particular, desired to hear the fabled fish sing. The plane trees stretching along both banks must have listened to the song a thousand times but in their stately silence they seemed reticent to share the location of the bend where the next performance was scheduled, if indeed the singers held to any calendar. The dwarf sat with his back to a trunk and serenaded the fish on his aulos. Like an angler with his rod, he patiently waited until the waters darkened with dusk.

written while listening to:  Magda Mayas & Stephan Meidell - Sounding Through (Playdate Records, PDCD012, 2026, Norway, cd, discogs.com)

August 4, 2026
Were there any truth to the local legend, Andromache had no doubt that the loveliness of Triballos' playing would have drawn forth the song for he put into his melody the longing of a man who finds no work of his own kind of greater beauty than the lyrical musing of the natural world. When no response was forthcoming save the ordinary (though admittedly wonderful in its own right) wrinkling melody of flowing water and the breathy sigh of the wind through the branches above them, Andromache at least was induced to join her companion in music.

written while listening to:  Derek Bailey, Han Bennink & Evan Parker - Topographie Parisienne, disc 3 (Fou Records, FR - CD 34-35-36-37, 2019 (rec. 1981), France, cdx4, discogs.com)

August 5, 2026
On the following day, they hiked a road winding around the same contours as the Aroanius, when their ears detected the faint flute-like phrases of a thrush, as if filtered through a veil of water. Instantly abandoning the cart where it stood, all eight crept stealthily through the undergrowth separating road from river. As they descended the slope, a second voice joined the first, then a third sang pit-pit-pit-pit! Coming upon a mossy bluff with a clear view of the water, they huddled together listening, but the song had ceased and did not resume.

written while listening to:  Keiji Haino, Merzbow & Balázs Pándi - Become The Discovered, Not The Discoverer, sides A & B (RareNoise Records, RNR111LP, 2019, United Kingdom, lpx2, discogs.com)

August 6, 2026
"Was it bird or fish?" the musicians debated among themselves as they returned to the road and proceeded along their way. "I wish we'd seen them," said Hektor ruefully. "It was enough to have heard them," countered Exekias, to which Hektor snapped, "If seeing the performance doesn't matter, then why don't we play all our shows behind a curtain?" On the relative importance of viewing the poikilía opinions were split. "And you, Synder, what do you think?" asked Megaera. She replied truthfully, "I'm just glad to have been with you all for the occasion."

written while listening to:  Joëlle Léandre - Live at the "Ulrichsberger Kaleidophon", disc 2 (Leo Records, CD LR 594/595, 2011, United Kingdom, cdx2, discogs.com)

August 7, 2026
The troupe entered Achaea, the northernmost nation of the Peloponnese peninsula. They carried with them not only fond memories of Arcadia but also red marks on their legs left by stinging nettles, through which they had trod in their rush to hear the singing fish. "Stop scratching!" Megaera admonished her husband who seemed to have gotten the worst of it. Mama had them pause. Around Exekias' ankles, she applied an herbal unguent from her first aid kit, which soothed the burning. Later she shared the list of ingredients with Andromache.

written while listening to:  Calvin Gantt & Nicole Mitchell Gantt - Who We Are (Black Earth Music, BEMU ASE 0001, 2022, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 8, 2026
Their first encounter with an Achaean transpired on a mountain bald where a lone goatherd had led his charges to pasture. Outnumbered, the lean man seemed content to let the travelers pass without exchanging words. However, Papa Krokodeilos slowed the troupe and, greeting him courteously, found a favorable reception. The nannies milled about the donkeys, sharing their own welcome. The funny pronunciation of the vowels in the local dialect of the goatherd seemed to emulate many of the vocalizations of his goats and proved scarcely more understandable.

written while listening to:  Evan Parker & John Zorn - Those Landings (Tzadik, TZ 9331, 2026, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 9, 2026
Rain began to fall before the sun retreated behind the high, jagged horizon of the surrounding mountains. Triballos grumbled for he had been sleeping out in the open. The storm augured a cramped night in the tent. Thus erupted again the shared irritation of Hektor and the dwarf with Andromache, who hoarded a tent to herself. Over a wet dinner and a campfire that whimpered in feeble hisses with each offending raindrop, the pair ignored Chloë's admonitions, pressing their flutist to choose between them a partner with whom to share her tent and perhaps more.

written while listening to:  Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid & Ches Smith - Dream Archives (ECM Records, ECM 2833, 2026, Germany, cd, discogs.com)

August 10, 2026
In a sign of Andromache's growing sense of belonging, she did not silently endure the recriminations of selfishness directed toward her. Alternatively, it may have simply been exasperation that prompted her to retort, "So I am to choose between the two of you?" She looked mischievously to Megaera and said, "Which of my two suitors do you suppose will do better at making me a happy wife?" The giantess burst out laughing, "Oh, that's a tough one! They both have their charms." The pair frowned when Megaera added, "...and their shortcomings."

written while listening to:  Alexandra Grimal - Marée Basse (self-released, no catalog #, 2026, France, digital files, discogs.com)

August 11, 2026
"Would you cook for your darling wife a breakfast every morning?" Andromache asked Hektor, who was quiet now that he was obviously being made fun of. "And you, Triballos, what dowry do you have in mind to win my hand?" The dwarf mumbled loud enough for all to hear, "Hmph, sleeping in the rain is sounding better every minute." Having already made up her mind, Andromache prolonged the announcement at the expense of her two admirers. She asked Papa Krokodeilos his thoughts on the matter. "Leave me out of this!" he cried.

written while listening to:  Agustí Fernández - Aesthetic of Prisms, disc 5 (Fundacja Słuchaj!, FSR30/2024, 2024, Poland, cdx7, discogs.com)

August 12, 2026
Andromache revealed her choice of tent-mate-cum-husband. When they were paired up in the quarters of Lord Threspotus, she had shared a room with Grandpa Dumpling. He was gentle and kind and did not snore in his sleep. He received the news stoically. Mama Chloë nodded approvingly. The spurned suitors were relieved both that the ordeal was over and to have their tent back. With no interest to hear them dissect her decision, Andromache wandered off. In her absence, Grandpa smirked at his former tent-mates and quietly boasted,"I still got it."

written while listening to:  Jandek - Brooklyn Sunday, disc 1 (Corwood Industries, CORWOOD 0859, 2023, United States, cdx2, discogs.com)

August 13, 2026
That she was no longer viewed as an imposition by some in the band provided a substantial relief to Andromache. Her duties changed only slightly. She resumed the task of emptying Grandpa's bedpan though Megaera still carried him into and out of the tent, for Andromache had not the strength to lift even his meager frame. That first night, they lay in the small tent together to the accompaniment of the patter of rain on the cloth. Andromache's apprehension of some awkwardness was not shared by the old man, who stretched out and promptly fell asleep.

written while listening to:  Kamasi Washington - The Epic, sides C & D (Brainfeeder, BF050, 2015, United States, lpx3, discogs.com)

August 14, 2026
Andromache might have assumed that all of Achaea was formed of mountains and forests, populated by isolated villages, practicing pastoral trades. However, others in the band had traveled these lands before. Papa informed her that the cities of the Achaeans were situated on the northern coast of the peninsula, on the shores of the Gulf of Patras and the Gulf of Corinth. On their sixth day out from Kleitor, a faint scent of seaweed and fish invaded the earthy musk of the forest. Rounding Mount Panachaikon the travelers abruptly came within sight of the sea.

written while listening to:  Chuck Roth - Document 1 (Relative Pitch Records, RPRSS036, 2024, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 15, 2026
They had come to the port of Patras. It was situated at the Strait of Rion, which connected the two gulfs. Here, scarcely more than a mile separated the Peloponnese peninsula from the lip of the greater continent, clearly visible to the north. The band descended the slope, making their way toward the settlement. No wall encircled the town nor did ostentatious statues or marble temples appear in the skyline of thatched roof buildings. Andromache discovered within herself a traveler's curiosity regarding the character of these urban Achaeans.

written while listening to:  Dan Weiss - Sixteen: Drummers Suite (Pi Recordings, PI63, 2016, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 16, 2026
Entering the town, Papa Krokodeilos led the band through the market square, where farmers sold grain and vegetables amidst small pens of sheep, goats and pigs. The passage of the musical troupe served as an announcement of their arrival and an advertisement of their concert that night at a venue yet to be determined. They meandered through the streets and reached the lower side, then descended to the shore, where stretches of sand were framed by outcropping rock. Fishing boats, some with oars and others a single mast and stowed sail, rested on the beach.

written while listening to:  Chris Alford, Luke Stewart & Justin Peake - Live at the Twilight Lounge (Ramble Records, RAM-186CD, 2025, Australia, cd, discogs.com)

August 17, 2026
A contingent of half a dozen soldiers were quartered in Patras for defense of the town, though they were part of a larger militia allied with neighboring settlements. The most well-to-do landowners formed a local council that maintained public services and intervened when civic disputes arose. Papa was right to allow events to develop of their own accord for as the sun approached the western horizon, a man came out to their camp on the beach. "Where are you playing tonight?" Discovering no plans yet existed, he led them to a small yard outside his tavern.

written while listening to:  Charles Ives - Holidays Symphony (CBS Masterworks, MK 42381, 1988, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 18, 2026
By now, Gentle Reader, it comes as no surprise that, having sensed the tempo of life in Patras, our band of musicians was well suited to deliver a performance tailored to their audience. Papa's choice of songs provided a relaxing evening of entertainment for a people who daily labored at their trades. The energy of the playing was reserved, for the audience did not seek a boisterous display. The love song of Megaera and Exekias was extended with additional verses. Unlike that couple, no public notification of the marriage of Grandpa and Synder was made.

written while listening to:  Dekoboko Hajime & Yamantaka Eye - Nani Nani (Tzadik, TZ 7206, 1995, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 19, 2026
The next day, Papa arranged transport across the Strait of Rion to Aetolia. There was no proper ferry, so they were to be carried in several boats. Many fisherman had enjoyed the concert of the evening before and were well disposed to offer their services, having already made the dawn rounds of choice fishing spots. Only one vessel was large enough to carry the donkeys or the cart, but not both at the same time. Papa left first with the cart, while the other six separated into two smaller dinghies. Andromache waited with Thion and Ion to be transported last.

written while listening to:  Hank Mobley - Reach Out! (Blue Note, BST 84288, 1968, United States, lp, discogs.com)

August 20, 2026
Standing beside the pair of donkeys on the beach, Andromache watched the brisk progress of the boats. Across the calm water, she was able to discern their arrival on the far shore of the strait. Although not quite a mile and a half separated her from the other members of the band, she had not been separated from them since joining the troupe. She could not decide whether she felt more alone or liberated in her momentary isolation. She imagined fleeing the beach and navigating the mountains paths back to Arcadia. Beyond that her fantasy dissolved.

written while listening to:  Various Artists - In Memoriam Gilles Deleuze, disc 1 (Mille Plateaux, MP CD 22, 1996, Germany, cdx2, discogs.com)

August 21, 2026
Andromache accompanied Thion and Ion across the Strait of Rion, leaving behind the Peloponnese peninsula. A shifting wind caused the boat to lurch and drew brays of alarm from the donkeys. She comforted each with calming words and a cool hand upon their wither. As she had selected Grandpa Dumpling, so too did the animals select her to replace Hektor as their special caretaker and confidante. In the coming days, this change in affection became apparent to the band. None blamed the donkeys for all, even Hektor, had also grown fond of their flutist.

written while listening to:  Steve Lacy Nine - Futurities Part II (hat ART, hat ART CD 6032, 1992, (rec. 1984 & 1985), Switzerland, cd, discogs.com)

August 22, 2026
A short distance from their landing point stood the town of Molykreia. It was said to have been founded three hundred years earlier by the exiled descendants of Heracles en route to reclaim their ancestral homelands to the south. Though scarcely more than a humble outpost, Papa advised them to enjoy what civilized comforts they might find, for these coastal plains were home to the apex of Aetolian culture, the mountainous interior being occupied by barbaric tribes. His casual words sparked both trepidation and excitement in Andromache.

written while listening to:  Altered States - Bluffs II (doubtmusic, dmf-109, 2006, Japan, cd, discogs.com)

August 23, 2026
The band played one night in Molykreia for that was their calling and their means to persuade the local residents to open their stores to them for barter and sale on favorable terms. Most of the town, young and old, came out to the market square. The admission fee took the form of a hat passed around for contributions—typically not an especially effective way to raise funds. After the fact, Papa discreetly accepted an additional subsidy from one of the sympathetic town lords in attendance, whose wife had greatly enjoyed the show.

written while listening to:  Paul Bley, Charlie Haden & Paul Motian - Memoirs (Soul Note, 121240-2, 1992, Italy, cd, discogs.com)

August 24, 2026
With the cart full of more provisions than usual, they headed north out of town. Early on they encountered a fork in the road, one path leading east along the coast of the Gulf of Corinth, the other turning northwest into the looming mountains. As they stood at the crossroads, Papa pointed toward the peaks, then looked over his shoulder at his companions and intoned, "Freedom." From his seat on the cart, Grandpa Dumpling repeated, "Freedom." The others followed suit, explicitly naming the desire that drove them into lands of certain danger.

written while listening to:  Irene Aranda, Don Malfon & Ami Yamasaki - May (Relative Pitch Records, RPR1288, 2026, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 25, 2026
Traveling the gradually rising road, Triballos said, "Synder, did you know the forests of these mountains are home to the offspring of the Calydonian Boar?" Andromache was familiar with the story of the ravaging nemesis, sent by Artemis to punish the insufficiently reverent King Oeneus. Meleager, the king's son, was among the Argonauts who had hunted the boar. "What I remember," said Andromache, "is that the huntress Atalanta drew first blood with an arrow from her bow. For defending her right to claim the hide, Meleager was destined to perish."

written while listening to:  Maynard Ferguson - Stratospheric, sides A & B (Mercury Records, EMS-2-406, 1976 (rec. 1954 & 1955), United States, lpx2, discogs.com)

August 26, 2026
There were many variants to this old tale. Hektor recalled that he had heard a version in which, during the hunt, two centaurs, also native to these forests, had attempted to rape Atalanta. Others had heard it too. "I've never seen a centaur," Andromache admitted, "are they generally given to uncontrolled lust?" Even Mama Chloë joined in the laughter at the concern in the flutist's voice. "I'm sure," said Hektor, "your brave husband will defend the honor of your virtue, should any lecherous centaurs appear." Grandpa Dumpling seemed oblivious to this barb.

written while listening to:  Henry Threadgill & Make A Move - Where's Your Cup? (Columbia, CK 67617, 1997, United States, cd, discogs.com)

August 27, 2026
Walking, the band began to compose an homage to the fabled boar. It was said the beast had burning, bloodshot eyes like coals of living fire. Thus the percussion in their song crackled like flame. To convey stiff muscles, thick-set with bristles like sharp spikes, a plodding melody was pierced by high bursts from the flute. The lightning belched forth from his horrid throat was evoked by crescendos in which all joined. Part of the communal fun was exploring sonic possibilities. No final form was reached, for they intended to tinker with the song over the coming days.

written while listening to:  Lester Bowie - All the Magic, sides C & D (ECM Records, ECM 1247, 1983, Germany, lpx2, discogs.com)

August 28, 2026
While still in Aetolia the band entered the foothills of the Pindus Mountains, which stretched more than a hundred miles. To avoid scaling the peaks, Papa Krokodeilos intended to move north along the western skirt of the range. Cities would be scarce. However, in the bloom of summer, the forests were verdant and the wildlife abundant. The many deer they spotted were skittish and bounded from view. Andromache saw a brown bear for the first time in her life. It noted the presence of the band but ignored them, intent on foraging for berries.

written while listening to:  Harold Budd - The Pavilion of Dreams (Obscure, OBS 10, 1978, United Kingdom, lp, discogs.com)

August 29, 2026
The travelers too took advantage of the bounty of the land, for wild strawberries and raspberries appeared alongside trees bearing apples and cherries. The donkeys dined in grass-filled clearings. Thus, while the band metered their provisions, they splurged on the seasonal menu laid out before them. They imbibed no lesser vintage than the water of clear mountain streams. A bow and a quiver of arrows lay untouched in the cart. Andromache had seen it before but knew not who claimed to be an archer among them, nor was she eager to see it deployed.

written while listening to:  Twinkle³ featuring David Sylvian & Kazuko Hohki - Upon This Fleeting Dream (cortizona, 017, 2022, Belgium, lp, discogs.com)

August 30, 2026
At night they strung their food from high branches, out of the reach of passing opportunists. The donkeys were tethered close to the fire, lest they attract the attention of wolves. When an unseen predator lumbered in the shadows of the surrounding underbrush, nervous brays summoned Triballos, Papa and Megaera from their tents. If the size of the giantess did not scare the intruder away, then she pulled her cymbals from the cart and clashed them together in discordant bangs. This was a last resort, of course, since it roused all the sleepers in the camp.

written while listening to:  John Williams - Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Original Soundtrack, sides A & B (RSO, RS-2-4201, 1980, United States, lpx2, discogs.com)

August 31, 2026
Although the band owned nothing beyond what they wore and what fit in the small cart, one incident caused Andromache to think of them as possessed of fabulous wealth. After a week of refining their tribute to the Calydonian Boar, they had settled on a fixed structure, albeit one that allowed for improvisation. "Enough of that," Papa announced following one rendition. The others agreed. To her amazement, they never played the song again, as if they could toss treasures aside without regard, so rich was their confidence in an inexhaustible reservoir of creativity.

written while listening to:  Henryk Górecki - Symphony No. 3 (Nonesuch, 9 79282-2, 1992, United States, cd, discogs.com)