Episode 553: Kenny & Claire

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 553: Kenny & Claire

Pointing listeners to the Hope of Christ amidst life’s troubles, critically acclaimed husband/wife folk duo Kenny & Claire are set to bow their full-length debut, Upon the Storm, July 19. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Mitch Dane (Brandon Heath, JJ Heller), the 12-track set showcases four freshly penned originals and eight modern renditions of enduring hymns.

The album’s title-cut, a stirring take on William Cowper’s 18th century hymn “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” features updated verses and a new arrangement by Kenny & Claireand Mitch Dane. "God Moves (Upon the Storm)" carries deep meaning for the couple following Kenny’s struggle with a brain tumor as well as a life-altering chronic illness diagnosis.

Hallmarked by thoughtful, organic arrangements firmly anchored in a folk/Americana soundscape, Upon the Storm also offers Kenny & Claire’s signature take on such classic hymns as “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” and “Come Thou Fount,” among others, along with a uniquely emotive rendition of the popular Keith Getty and Stuart Townend-penned hymn, “In Christ Alone.” New selections including “Surely His Goodness,” “Have Mercy on Us” and “We Believe”—all written by Kenny & Claire and Mitch Dane—bridge the past and present with thematic consistency.

ABOUT KENNY & CLAIRE

Beginning their musical journey together in 2005—writing songs, performing and leading worship throughout the Carolinas—Kenny & Claire Hilliard were married in 2008 but paused their creative pursuits while Kenny attended seminary and the couple started a family. In 2015, during Kenny’s tenure as a senior pastor and worship leader in Asheville, North Carolina, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Shortly after successful surgery to remove the tumor, Kenny received a second diagnosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—a degenerative genetic disease that left him temporarily impaired. The couple embraced a return to music during Kenny’s recovery, founding a music teaching studio and further honing their songwriting craft by penning modern hymns for their home congregation.

Known for their emotive acoustic/folk originals and organic revivals of theologically rich hymns of yesteryear, Kenny & Claire’s critically acclaimed debut EP, Are You Weary, released in 2021. In addition to participating in Getty Music’s prestigious International Hymn Writing Collective, the couple’s music has been highlighted by Under The Radar (UTR) and in The Rabbit Room’s New Music Roundup, and Claire was also named among “Ones to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI) in 2021. Kenny & Clairenow reside in the Nashville area with their three children, and they maintain an active touring ministry, leading worship and performing in numerous churches around the country each year.

For further information or to request an interview with Kenny & Claire:

Brian Smith • [e-mail]

Emily Kohl • [e-mail]

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Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

This song appeared on over 80 Spotify playlists this Advent Season. I want to thank everyone for listening and sharing it this year.

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“A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.”

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“I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.”

–Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary)

"I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release."

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Shine A Light In The Darkness

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