Paul Bernard & Este Mundo was founded in 1996 by guitarist Paul Bernard.  The group’s fusion of Spanish, Flamenco, and classical music is an original approach to the world beat genre.  Their repertoire of stirring ballads, spirited dance rhythms and fiery improvisation attracts faithful listeners of all ages, from all across Canada, thanks to a cross-Canada tour in 2001-2002 and frequent CBC Radio play.

The group has three commercial recordings to date.  Isla Rosada, released in 1998, won Este Mundo a 1999 East Coast Music Award (ECMA) for Instrumental Group of the Year.  Their second recording, Los Elementos (2001), earned them yet another nomination in that same category. 

Their third commercial recording, Tres Guitarras, was released in March 2005 at Mavor’s Bistro and Bar in the Confederation Centre of the Arts.  The title, meaning "three guitars," points to the group's return to its roots with two guitars and an acoustic bass guitar. The group has experimented over the years with different players and instruments, including cello, flute and percussion, but has come back time and time again to a simpler, more traditional format.  Paul Bernard plays a mesmerizing lead guitar, Chris Smith contributes the energizing rhythm guitar and Trevor Campbell provides a rock-solid foundation for the group on acoustic bass guitar.

The group’s hard work and dedication to this new format has resulted in numerous performances across the Maritimes and very successful appearances at the National Art Centre’s Atlantic Scene Festival in Ottawa in the spring of 2003.   Este Mundo is currently promoting the release of their third album, Tres Guitarras, and is looking forward to many performances this coming spring and summer season.