Paul Buchanan

Despite the considerable intervals separating the Blue Nile's initial trio of albums, observers have frequently cast doubt on the diligence of frontman Paul Buchanan, who handles vocals and guitar. Yet the critical reception accorded Buchanan's contributions to the Blue Nile has remained consistently enthusiastic, irrespective of the delays between releases. Born on April 16, 1956, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Buchanan co-founded the Blue Nile in 1980 alongside Glasgow University graduates Robert Bell on bass and Paul Joseph Moore on keyboards; the band took its name from Alan Moorehead's 1962 book. Their debut LP, A Walk Across the Rooftops, appeared in 1984. The record's lush, atmospheric pop drew widespread praise throughout the U.K., where Buchanan's velvety voice evoked the silky croon of Bryan Ferry alongside the melancholy baritone of Scott Walker. Although A Walk Across the Rooftops attracted flattering notices, the group's understated public persona and decision to avoid live shows conferred a measure of anonymity that kept the focus squarely on the music; on one occasion Buchanan went unrecognized by acquaintances in a bar as a member of the band. Following A Walk Across the Rooftops, the Blue Nile scored the film Goven Ghost Story and recorded the theme music for Halfway to Paradise. Five years elapsed before the release of their second album, Hats. In 1996, Peace at Last achieved a Top 20 hit in the U.K.