Old school roots reggae meets new school, pop/rock vibes in this, Nico Marks' third studio release. True to its name, The California-Jamaica Sessions was recorded, half at the world famous, Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica--Bob Marley's studio and label--and half with the Sublime with Rome and Dirty Heads producer, Lew Richards, at his Costa Mesa, CA, 17th Street Records studio. Nico is no stranger to opportunity in the music game. On a dare, he made it to the 5th round of American Idol in 2007 singing only Bob Marley songs. Both Olivia Newton John and Paula Abdul danced to his acapella version of Three Little Birds. Simon Cowell asked if Nico only sang smooth reggae songs and ultimately cut the singer after Nico's response, "yes." Nico has opened for Shortbus, formerly, the Long Beach Dub Allstars, in Mexico, and for Fishbone on occasion. He's been a featured artist providing music for surf videos featuring the Malloy's, Hobgood brothers and Kelly Slater. He worked as a session vocalist singing backups at Sylvia Massy's studio in W**d, CA, and for Rick Barton, former Drop Kick Murphy's lead singer, as well as various Long Beach Records projects. He is also a featured guest on Chuck Foster's, Reggae Central radio program, broadcasting across Los Angeles. Chuck describes Nico's music as: an infectious nod to an analogue past, providing a tempest of feel good jams and hummable melodies. Nico is forever on the hunt for groove and will stop at nothing to appease the obsession.