Skillful Irish rock

Saw Doctors
Birdy’s
Monday, Aug. 16

Full stomachs of sushi didn’t keep the Saw Doctors from nimbly performing their Galway “classics” Monday night. Lead singer Davy has transformed into The Lord of the Ring’s Gandolf, with overgrown eyebrows and long, grayish hair.

He’s gotta be in his 60s, but his voice still yodels the brogue in all the right octaves. The Saw Doctors are the real deal: no member would wear shorts under his kilt … if they wore kilts. Lead guitarist and singer Lee had a wee bit o’ an off night vocally, which may not have been a coincidence: A new singer has joined the band, brandishing no instruments, but plentiful disco dance moves.

Still, their instrumentation was rich and beguiling, and they covered all the bases, including Clare Island, N-17, Joyce Country Ceili Band and a rare treat, Galway and Mayo. Why more than 130 people never show up for this band is beyond reason, but sometimes people need a nudge, a hint, a hot tip: If you’re at all interested or curious about Irish rock/folk music buy their CDs Sing A Powerful Song and Songs From Sun Street. The only way to learn is to try.