Jim Dorie

Oil Sands and Sea Salt
By Patricia Marie Budd

If there is one thing Fort McMurray, Alberta has always known it’s that oil sands and sea salt is a winning recipe. East coast Country Folk artist Jim Dorie deftly taps into this captivating combination in his first CD, Something Happened. Something has happened, folks; Jim Dorie has entered the Canadian music scene.

Jim Dorie lived and worked in Fort McMurray from 1977 – 2006. He now resides in Nova Scotia. Like many of his brethren, Jim came here to work in the plants; employed by Syncrude in a variety of positions “mostly on new construction projects and maintenance shutdowns.” Jim was more than willing to discuss how life in Alberta, Fort McMurray in particular, influenced him as an artist. Track five, “Living in Alberta”, is a testament to the life he lived here.

After listening to Something Happened, I tried to pigeon hole Jim Dorie. The mark of a truly good singer songwriter is the difficulty presented when one tries to find a stereotype to place him in. Jim Dorie, like many other great artists (Fred Eaglesmith and Lyle Lovett, to name but two) is not a man to be hammered into place. Compelled by industry, I have chosen to refer to him as an East Coast Country Folk Artist but there is so much more to this man’s music. “Hot Turkey Sandwich” (track six) is clearly bluegrass. Track ten “Second Home” is bluesy rock. As Jim Dorie aptly puts it, his CD, musically, is “all over the map.”

No CD is produced alone. One man is the brainchild, one man writes the songs, composes the music, but even at that he is not alone. Jim Dorie humbly admits to the assistance he has received from numerous talented friends. His good friend Dave Gunning helped him write two of the songs (“Living in Alberta” and “Marconi’s Boxes”). He also expresses gratitude towards many Fort McMurray artists; two names in particular local veterans will remember: Dale Fortier and Ken Flaherty. Jim covers one of Dale’s songs, “Clare Street” (track four). About his Fort McMurray friends Jim says, “When you have a circle of friends like these to draw from… you had better be able to craft a good tune or you’re just not paying attention.” Well, I can assure you folks, Jim Dorie was paying very close attention to the talent that surrounded him. He listened well, learned a lot, and produced a quality first CD as a result.

“Behind every great man is a really great woman.” Okay, so I took a little liberty with the old adage, but if you knew Jeanne Dorie you would know the truth behind that expression. As well as being his love and support, Jeanne helped Jim produce his CD. “My wife Jeanne did the artwork and design, and it’s wonderful to see the reaction she is getting when people first see the CD. She did a beautiful job and we have something that we can work on together.” His daughter, Heather Dorie’s voice can also be heard offering up harmonies. Something Happened is truly a family venture, something indicative of all those I have ever met from the east coast.

Jim Dorie will be appearing at Keyano Theatre with Dave Gunning on Sunday, June 13. Call Keyano to get your tickets folks, because Jim Dorie, one time oil sands miner, now sea salt singer, is coming home.

Something Happened is available at Campbell’s Music on Franklin Avenue.
- Fort McMurray Today