"All Night Thing" by The Invisible Man’s Band

The Invisible Man’s Band’s funky dance hit “All Night Thing” had parties and clubs jumpin’ back in the day. This is a jam that you have to turn all the way up whenever it comes on. Keni Burke's killer bass line anchors the groove, which features dynamic strings, tight horns and a sizzling beat. 

"All Night Thing” was released in 1979 on Island Records’ Mango imprint. It was written by former Five Stairsteps lead singer Clarence Burke Jr., producer Alex Masucci, and keyboardist Dean Grant. Clarence and Mascucci also produced the track. It peaked at #9 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and climbed to #45 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also included on the band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980. It has been sampled on 17 songs. 

The Invisible Man’s Band was formed by Clarence and Masucci in 1978. The Five Stairsteps (best known for their classic “O-o-h Child'') had broken up two years prior, and the members had all gone their separate ways. But Clarence wouldn’t go through with the Invisible Man’s Band project unless his brothers, also former Five Stairsteps members, were a part of it. He eventually convinced his brothers–Keni (bass), James (vocals, vibes) and Dennis (rhythm guitar)–to join the band. Clarence played lead and acoustic guitar as well as provided vocals, and Dean Grant handled the keys and synths. They tapped drummer Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to play on their self-titled debut album. The members of the horn section for the album were Don Myrick (saxophone, flute), Louis Satterfield (trombone), Bobby Bryant (lead trumpet) and Rahmlee Michael Davis (trumpet, flugelhorn, soloist [all solos]).

The band moved to the Neil Bogart-owned Boardwalk Entertainment label in 1981 where they dropped their second album Really Wanna See You that same year. The collection was co-produced by Masucci and Clarence. The breezy, upbeat title track boasts a great arrangement, and the collection also includes the soothing mellow jam “Along the Way.” Unfortunately, neither the album nor any of its singles charted. It’s a top-flight album nonetheless.

In 1983, the band released the 12” single “Sunday Afternoon” on the Move ‘N” Groove label, formed by Clarence and Masucci. This was the band’s final release.

Clarence Burke Jr. was a multi-talented artist who was involved in various music projects and had worked with esteemed artists/musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Billy Preston. He died on May 26, 2013 at his home in Marietta, Georgia. He was 64. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. He was still recording and performing music shortly before his passing. 

"All Night Thing" at Amazon