When most people think of blues musicians, they picture men or women in their 40s, 50s and beyond, singing about life’s ups and downs in a manner unique to the genre. After all, blues is the musical language of life, deeply rooted in the American experience – with lyrics produced by trials and tribulations endured by folks from all walks of life.

Yet for 13-year-old Auburn native Zack Pomerleau, that image couldn’t be further from reality.

He’s an active, high-energy teenager who you’d expect to see downloading hip-hop and hanging out with his friends at the mall. Just don’t suggest either of those things to him.

Pomerleau spends his time playing and studying blues music, and has become quite proficient on drums, guitar and, most recently, the harmonica.

“My father was into the Doors,” said Pomerleau. “And I started out listening to them when I was 10. They covered a song by blues legend Howlin’ Wolf, and I started listening to his music because of that. From there, I went to Muddy Waters and got hooked on him and the musicians that played with him. From that point on, I was addicted to the blues.”

Several of today’s most successful blues musicians are second-generation players, men like Ronnie Baker Brooks, Chris Beard and Big Bill Morganfield. While Pomerleau’s father, Garry, may not play an instrument, his grandfather on his mother’s side was a musician.

“I’ve been playing drums for almost 10 years, started on the guitar about three years ago and got hooked on harmonica around five months ago. I’ve also started playing some piano lately. While I still enjoy drumming and playing the guitar, the blues harp is easily my favorite now. I tried one of my grandfather’s one day and loved it. This is my instrument, it’s the one I intend to master some day,” the teen said.

The many subgenres within the overall genre are part of the appeal of blues music. You have traditional and contemporary, acoustic, modern electric blues, Texas blues, Chicago blues, West Coast blues and Delta blues, each with hundreds of active musicians purveying their style and product to consumers. Pomerleau has explored each of these subgenres and knows what he likes and dislikes.

“There are a ton of great players within all those styles, but I really like Delta and Chicago blues the best,” he enthused. “One of the first real blues albums I acquired was from Howlin’ Wolf, and I like his music a lot. I also like most of the work from Muddy Waters, but I’d have to say harmonica legend Paul Butterfield, the first white guy to make it big in blues, is my all-time favorite.”

Pomerleau recently received a telephone call from none other than Sam Lay, the 72-year-old blues drumming legend who played with Butterfield, Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and many other industry giants. The veteran shared stories and offered words of encouragement to the aspiring young bluesman.

“He lived with Little Walter for a while. His father was one of the first black musicians to appear on the Grand Ol’ Opry, and he just had an incredible career overall. For him to call me and talk blues was very exciting. It makes me want to practice harder and study more,” Pomerleau said.

Pomerleau has been playing a steady Saturday night gig at the Railroad Diner in Lisbon. He has also jammed with several musicians from the Maine Blues Society and plays whenever possible because he loves it so much. His musical goals are realistic for a teenager. He knows there is a long road ahead and that blues music isn’t exactly the most mainstream genre.

“I’d love to start my own blues band within a couple of years, but it’s hard to find the right players. I recently met Maine native Jason Ricci, a world-class harp player who just signed a contract with Delta Groove Records and is headed for international recognition. I really respect what he has accomplished and would love to follow that path,” Pomerleau said.

“For now, I’d like to put together a horn-based band because I really love the sounds of a saxophone and trumpet. But no matter what, I’m going to play the blues and enjoy doing it. It’s just something I feel comfortable with and a great style of music. I hope other kids will give it a try, too.”