Tributes have been paid to the singer of indie rock band Flutes, who recently passed away.

Godfrey McFall died following a hillwalking accident in the Scottish Highlands. The singer and songwriter for the London-based act had been working for a TV production company based in the UK capital, and it was during his time there that Flutes were formed, his distinctive Scots burr an integral part of their elaborate sound, as he intoned tales of, as he put it, “love, old people and old people in love”, as well as a clear yearning for home.

The band played only a precious few shows in Scotland around the time of Flutes’ sole, self-titled album, including an instore set in Edinburgh beset by delays. However, there was a memorable appearance at the Wickerman Festival in Galloway in 2012. Describing Flutes as “awesome”, Chay Woodman, who booked the combo to play the Solus Tent, described Godfrey as “A truly nice guy. A talented swine. An adamant non-loser of guitars,” adding his opinion that they were “Band of the weekend” at the 2013 festival.

It was Lloyd Meredith of the esteemed Olive Grove record label who recommended Flutes to Chay. Despite its release being a full six years ago, he said: “I was listening to this just last week,” adding “What a tremendous band they were.”

Lisa Marie Ferla, music columnist with The Scots magazine, was also a fan of the band, and shocked at the “dreadful news”. “They WERE awesome,” she said, echoing Lloyd’s words.

Other writers were fans, and not just those already familiar with Godders’ work (a 4.5/5 review from isthismusic.com perhaps inevitable). God Is in the TV and When You Motor Away were among the respected blogs offering rave reviews alongside airplay from Radio Scotland and 6music.

This appreciation of Godders’ talents, as well as his clear likability as a person, also extended to his musician peers. Jamie Sutherland of Broken Records was another friend from university days, and this weekend (October 6th) at a Summerhall show, dedicated a new song to his friend – “about remembering people, so (it) was appropriate”.

“Godders” grew up in Glasgow before studying in St Andrews, but it was after this time, around 2005, that he contributed some reviews for is this music? magazine towards the end of its run in print. He then wrote for isthismusic.com from London over the next few years – perhaps significantly, his input including live reviews of Colin Macintyre and John Martyn, both Scots exiled from home.

It was during this period that Godfrey’s latent musical talents came to the fore. A demo arrived from Runner as far back as 2007, and although rough round the edges promised much both in terms of songwriting and voice, while Pushboxer, again releasing just a couple of tunes, really led the way for what would follow, displaying an ear for soundscapes as much a part of proceedings as the clear ear for a hook displayed. The single also provided the first of a few opportunities to spend a too-short time in Godfrey’s company, his warm personality shining through in the post-show excitement that only a hometown gig can bring.

Eventually, the Flutes release – with artwork proudly on display – arrived. As well as prompting a Casual Introduction piece with Godfrey, it also received the accolade of reaching #2 in Jockrock’s Album of the Year listings for 2012.

Flutes – Godfrey, Andrew Bruce, Alex Walker and Robert Marshall – were joined by Jamie Savage (at the time, of Olympic Swimmers), who also produced the album at Chem19 Studios in Blantyre), as well as Iain Cook from The Unwinding Hours (whose album, ironically, pipped them for the number 1 slot in that poll). Also involved were Siobhan Anderson (previously of French Wives), Louise McMonagle from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Trish Clowes of Tangent, and Chris Sheehan.

A memorial is to be held on the afternoon of Saturday 20th October at Conway Hall in central London, “followed by the pub (of course)” – anyone wishing to attend can email godfreymcfallmemorial at gmail.com.

Godfrey will also be remembered beyond this difficult time with a website www.goddersmemories.com set up to pay tribute to him, not just as a talented wordsmith, singer and musician, but as nice a guy as you could hope to meet.