"Few people have the courage to play a classical jazz piece ­ typically performed on the sax ­ and play it on a classical-style guitar," Gary Zappo, said.

Zappo was the person who was bending Gordon's ear, but Gordon didn't seem to mind.

"I love to hear comments about my music," Gordon said. "I learn by listening to music and people. If I hear something I like, I try to emulate it and tweak it into my own style."

When he starts to make his guitar sing, they slowly turn and stare, surprised by the songs that dance into the air. His repertoire includes Santana's Oye Como Va, Stevie Wonder's Ribbon in the Sky, and Al Green's Let's Stay Together. His array of music is far reaching and refreshing ­ and in a town where Jimmy Buffet prevails, most welcome.

Unquestionably, he tells me he was primarily inspired by Jimmy Page, who, in his opinion, is one of the most versatile guitarists and songwriters in rock history. Page, guitarist for Led Zeppelin, refused to be pigeonholed into any single musical style (touching upon folk, country, funk, blues and other genres). George Benson is also on his list.

"He's musically unpredictable," said Gordon. "He thinks outside of the box."

And so does Gordon.

"Jazz is one of the most complex music genres," he said. "You can take it to a whole other level and really experiment with it."

As far as favorite musicians, he loves to listen to the sounds of Stevie Wonder and Wes Montgomery.

"Montgomery has to be my all time favorite," he said. "He's widely regarded as one of the finest jazz guitarists ever."

As I left the resort, Zappo and his wife were seated at the bar, sipping on their red wine. Their smiling faces said it all. 

Liisa Sullivan is a freelance writer, focusing on food, entertainment and lifestyle. Her e-mail is liisawrite@swfla.rr.com.