Arcade Fire win seventh Juno, for alternative album of the year, at gala

WINNIPEG – Montreal rockers Arcade Fire were among the early winners at a Juno Awards dinner gala where the bulk of the trophies were handed out on Saturday night.

The multi-national collective picked up the trophy for their chart-topping double album “Reflektor,” bringing their career haul up to seven Junos.

The band, however, was on tour and thus not present at the RBC Convention Centre to pick up their award. They’ll perform at Sunday’s CTV telecast — at which they’re nominated for another five Junos — via video.

Violin maestro James Ehnes of Brandon, Man., won two Junos meanwhile — bringing his career tally up to nine — while Matt Mays won rock album of the year and Nova Scotia-based Dean Brody won country album of the year, giving him his first Juno in three nominations.

“Thanks — you know, this is amazing,” the soft-spoken singer said as he picked up the heavy trophy. Backstage, he was asked where he would keep the prize, replying that he would stack it with his many Canadian Country Music Association Awards — but that his Juno would “definitely be a centrepiece.”

Brody beat out fresh-faced Flat Lake, Alta., native Brett Kissel for that award, but the upstart country star’s disappointment didn’t last long. Kissel soon claimed breakthrough artist of the year, his enthusiasm infectious as he raced onstage to claim the award.

“Oh my gosh, this is incredible,” said Kissel, 23. “I’m very, very privileged. I look around at everybody here and I just feel very blessed to be a breakthrough artist.

“Thank you to my parents … who took a little time off of calving season back on the farm to be here at the Junos.

“Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this night.”

Meanwhile, Toronto’s Downchild took the prize for blues album of the year and Johnny Reid — who was to co-host Sunday’s telecast alongside Serena Ryder and rapper Classified — won adult alternative album of the year, paying tribute onstage to decorated producer Bob Ezrin (apparently hobbled by knee surgery).

“We had an idea a long time ago we were going to record a Christmas record of great reverence. This record meant the world to me for so many reasons. But the best part of this record for me was making (it) with a gentleman who got me to sing a way I’ve never sung before, who listened to me and truly recognized me as an artist,” Reid said of Ezrin, beaming alongside him.

“Without his presence on this record … it may never have happened.”

Other awards set to be presented later Saturday included artist of the year and pop album of the year. Another six trophies were to be given out during Sunday’s broadcast, which was set to feature performances by Tegan and Sara, Robin Thicke and Walk Off the Earth.