GUITARISTS EARL 'Chinna' Smith and Lebert 'Gibby' Morrison have paid tribute to one of reggae's most popular groups with the album, Guitars On Top.

It is an instrumental take on Heptones On Top, the classic collection of songs by one of rocksteady's greatest groups. Smith said Guitars On Top is scheduled to be released on vinyl in March.

Smith and Morrison began working on the project over a decade ago. They played guitar and bass parts while Carl Ayton did duties on drums. Ayton died in 2001 from a stroke.

Classic dancehall album

Heptones On Top is a classic dancehall album and one of the best sellers for producer Clement Dodd's Studio One label. Leroy Sibbles, Earl Gordon and Barry Llewelyn are at their creative best on songs like Equal Rights, Sea of Love, Party Time and the title track.

Smith and Morrison are two of Jamaica's leading session musicians. Both were members of Jimmy Cliff's touring band and Smith's High Times Players.