Album: No Pedlars or Preachers
Released: 1 August 2006
Label:Copperspine Records

Source: Copperspine Records:
Dyad digs deep into the song and instrumental traditions found in the Appalachian mountain region of the eastern United States. Over 100 years ago, songs were like gazettes, with the singer relating the story of a lover, the accused, the wronged, and the cruelty of fate. Public hangings were as much entertainment as they were a reckoning - sound like a reality show? Dyad sees the correlation between events of the past and those of the present day, taking on the role of storytellers for a new generation of listeners.

The Vancouver, B.C. trio of Kori Miyanishi (vocals, banjo, guitar, fiddle, jaw-harp), Leah Abramson (vocals, guitar) and Shiho Mizumoto (fiddles), came together to play traditional American Old Time music after delving into everything from indie-rock and punk to classical and traditional music of various cultures.

With the release of their second full-length CD, No Pedlars or Preachers, in 2006 on Copperspine Records/Festival, Dyad continues their stark and haunting sound, though a line-up change (Leah Abramson replaced Stephanie Custer in 2004) takes the band further into a traditional country and stringband approach.

Building on exceptional reviews of their first album, Who's been Here Since I've Been Gone (2002), Dyad recently performed at the 2006 Vancouver Folk Music Festival and has shared the stage with such diverse acts as The Be Good Tanyas, The New Lost City Ramblers, The Mammals, and electronica giants IQU. Their songs are currently played on CBC and independent radio stations across Canada and the USA.

Besides playing in Dyad, all members of the band continue in a variety of musical endeavours. Kori and Shiho are fiddlers in the traditional old-time stringband Holler, and Leah regularly performs her own original folk-noir material.

Whether the trio is playing an original song, a Nirvana cover, or a crooked fiddle tune, Dyad passes on the traditions of passion and respect for the music they love.

Here's what the press has to say:

‘Listening to the stark and lonesome sound of Dyad, you'd swear the trio had been raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains and weaned on moonshine. The musicians play with a natural touch and sing with the quiet intensity of old-timers. ’
                Tony Montague, the Georgia Straight

‘They grab attention right from the start. ’
                John Atkins, fRoots

‘Clearly cut from the same cloth as Boiled In Lead, Cordelia's Dad and early Uncle Tupelo ... Dyad's approach to traditional American music is sometimes stark, often chilling but absolutely beguiling in its entirety. ’
                Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs