The Saw Doctors also share some additional similarities to New Jersey's Rock and Roll Boss. Co-founder and lead guitarist Leo Moran can often be spotted playing a Fender Telecaster and from time to time melodic refrains of famous Springsteen songs will find their way into a Saw Doctors jam. The fans of the band are also as fervent as any of Springsteen's and Saw Doctors live shows always feature a lot of audience participation. Sharing the name of the band's first-ever released single, the N17 is one of the main roads that connects Galway City with major towns in north west County Galway and County Mayo. People who live in Galway call it the Tuam Road and fans of the song enthusiastically joined in on the chorus as expected.

And I wish I was on that N17
(Stone walls and the grasses green)
Yes I wish I was on that N17
(Stone walls and the grasses green)
Traveling with just my thoughts and dreams

The Saw Doctors recently released their sixth studio record, The Cure, in the United States!

The Saw Doctors should be on the payroll of the Ireland Tourist Board because seeing this band live has the effect of making the listener want to book a flight on Aer Lingus at the earliest convenience to visit the lucky land of green.

Other songs about Galway landmarks were highlights of the New York show including the favorite "The Green and Red of Mayo" which celebrates Croagh Patrick – famous for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honor of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation.

Will you meet me on Clare Island
Summer stars are in the sky
We'll get the ferry out from Roonagh
And wave all our cares goodbye

"Clare Island" is an anthemic ode to the green pearl of the West Coast of Ireland. Both these songs were also enhanced by lively audience sing-alongs during the band's two and a half hour performance in Union Square.

The Saw Doctors' focus on unique Irish geography continues on the new CD with the beautiful "Stars Over Cloughhanover" which is the first single from the record and appears to be the logical follow-up to "Clare Island". Cloughhanover is a rural region in County Galway known for the crumbling ruins of an ancient castle and will be another destination on our upcoming Saw Doctors-inspired tour of Ireland!

In addition to the magical places of Ireland chief songwriters Davy Carton and Leo Moran also pay homage to the land's people that have impacted and inspired them.

"Tommy K" is a live favorite that was performed at the Irving Plaza show complete with lead singer Leo and Davy acting out the initials "t" and "k" in a semi-elaborate dance production with the crowd following along. This upbeat and fun song was written for a local Tuam deejay, Tommy Kavanagh, who was scandalized in Ireland for holding a dance during Lent. Tommy K unfortunately met an ultimately death due to terminal cancer, but happily, his life still brings smiles to the faces of those trying to act out the dance every time the Docs play this song live.

The song "Going Home" from The Cure is another indication that this roots rock band is clearly still rooted in their homeland. In it they give a shout out to Christy Moore, the popular Irish folk singer and guitarist, who is well-known as one of the founding members of Planxty. Over the years Moore's music has dealt with controversial and divisive topics but his fearless and honest approach to music has gained him a loyal fan base – Davy and Leo apparently among them.

Already eighteen years into their existence The Saw Doctors view 2006 as a new start for them. They've recently revamped their touring line-up with the addition of Fran Breen (Ex Lucinda Williams) on drums and former Waterboy Anthony Thistlethwaite on bass guitar, harmonica and saxophone. Not to take anything away from former versions of the group but this line-up had a stage presence and command that will easily translate to rock arenas anywhere in the world. Breen's forceful backbeat and steady drive, along with the lovely saxophone and harmonica solos from Thistlethwaite, were moments of transcendence for the band as a whole.

On The Cure the band has also evolved, some say matured, as the songwriting on the new CD takes a harder look at life and love, tempering the good time party mantle they carry – but only just a bit. Two new songs about relationships reveal the good, bad and the ugly that come with intimacy. "Me Without You" tells the tale of a stranger's lost love from the eyes of one sharing life with a companion. This track is an appreciative and thankful look at partnership citing...

He's me without you
And all the things you do

"Addicted" is a tale of love that may not be as genuine or innocent with the singer describing a lover who at times curses and steals from her partner, but they remain mutually addicted to each other. Both of these songs were in the 27-song set list and were received well by the fans.

The band hasn't lost their sense of humor or wit as there are more upbeat anthems on The Cure. "Your Guitar" was written by Leo Moran documenting the time he gave his son a new guitar on Christmas Day and proceeded to construct a tune on it containing a brief musical lesson to help him on his way. The raucous "Last Summer in New York" and the reflective "Out For a Smoke" were two additional songs from the latest CD that were played live at Irving Plaza to the pleasure of the die-hards.

"Bless Me Father" and "On My Way" were two lively favorites that closed out the first set in fine Saw Doctors form with both Davy and Leo personifying the trademarked qualities and stage moves their devotees have come to expect. A bemused and bespectacled Leo Moran surveyed the audience from left to right throwing out numerous waves and smiles to familiar faces in the crowd while Davy Carton delivered the final two songs in his half-laughing, half-singing vocal style that indicated he was once again enjoying his time on stage performing for the fans. After a short break the band returned for a generous eight-song encore.

Having examined The Saw Doctors several times in a live setting over the last ten years we can now offer a definitive diagnosis. The infectious affection that the fans have for the band, and the band has in turn for their fans, is contagious. And, for that, there is no cure!

The New Saw Doctors are Leo Moran, Davy Carton, Fran Breen and Anthony Thistlethwaite!

Related Links: For more information on The Saw Doctors and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- The Saw Doctors | Buy The Cure | IrvingPlaza.com

(Originally Published on March 08, 2006)