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A jamming session in a bar proved to be a date with destiny for stunning singer Zoe Plubthong after she was stood up by her own dismal date.
Instead of heartache and sorrow she found Rick Stickney plucking away on his guitar and now they are making sweet music together in Bahrain.
The delightful duo can be spotted entertaining diners at the popular Friday brunches at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre’s Saveur Restaurant.
Zoe, 27, a major recording artiste in her home country of Thailand, explained: “I saw Rick jamming at a bar in Bangkok. I walked over and complimented him on his playing.”
Rick’s heart strings were clearly struck. “I was watching my friend’s band play and sat in and played a couple of tunes. Zoe was also there, waiting on her date who didn’t show up.
“We added each other on Facebook and met up a week later ... this was about a year ago and we have been together ever since.”
The 41-year-old American entertainer has been playing professionally for 23 years in clubs and hotels all over the globe as well as on cruise ships.
He has played with world class artists such as Toto vocalist Joseph Williams, 1970s Top 10 singer/songwriter Randy Vanwarmer, amazing blues/jazz singer Jane L Powell and legendary bassist Marcus Miller.
“My mom had an amazing record collection so there were always great tunes playing in the house. I grew up listening to mostly 60s and 70s soul and rock music. I just sang along and practiced my air guitar until I got a real one at the age of 15!”
Zoe, who studied film at Rangsit University in Bangkok, grew up in a musical family and was performing and singing in her dad’s band from an early age.
“My two older sisters and I sang together as well. When we were teenagers, we presented a demo to RS Promotions, Thailand’s biggest record label. To our surprise, two weeks later they signed us to a five-year recording contract,” she explained.
The trio, known as The Sis, released five albums and played concerts all over Thailand. After the contract was completed, Zoe spent a few years in the US and was exposed to the joys of jazz music.
After returning to Thailand, she started to work as a jazz singer in five-star hotels, which led to the duo’s deal in Bahrain and a new musical adventure as a couple.
Rick said: “We have a very versatile song list and play a lot of classic tunes, like rock, pop, blues, soul, disco, but also mix in some newer stuff as well.”
He also writes his own material and in 2010 produced his debut CD entitled Sonic Postcards which is available on iTunes.
Zoe said: “We try to choose good songs that feature nice two-part harmonies. I write my own material as well which we may add to our show in the future.”
The duo has been delighted by the audience reaction in Bahrain. Rick said: “We didn’t quite know what to expect before we arrived, but the audiences so far have been appreciative and friendly.
“Good music really transcends cultural and language barriers. We haven’t seen much of the country yet, but we are eager to get out and start exploring.”
Zoe added: “Our audience is very diverse; we get Westerners, Bahrainis and Saudis too. Regardless of where they are from, they all have an appreciation for music and enjoy what we do, which makes it so much fun for us to perform here.”
Rick is currently studying solo finger-style jazz guitar with renowned musician Martin Taylor. He explained: “I’m putting together a solo repertoire and wish to play this style fluently within a few years. Until then, I will continue to develop and expand our duo’s show to make sure we are the best on the circuit.”
Zoe dreams of one day opening a restaurant once her musical ambitions have been fulfilled. “But as a singer, of course, I want to be seen, be out there and have the world know my songs, perform my own concerts and have my masterpiece recording!” she said.
