Career
Roccisano received his Bachelor of Science in music education from State University of New York-Potsdam in 1963. In 1964 he played in the Tommy Dorsey orchestra under Sam Donahue, then moved to Los Angeles, where he played with Don Ellis (1966-1968), Ray Charles (1967-1968), Louie Bellson, Lew Tabackin, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Terry Gibbs, Don Menza, Bill Holman, and Don Rader. He assembled his own 15-piece ensemble, Rocbop, in 1976, and played in the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut in 1981.
Roccisano also had extensive credits as an arranger, including with Ellis, Bellson, Doc Severinsen, and Woody Herman.
He composed "Tenors of the Time", a tune recorded by Pete Christlieb and Warne Marsh. One of his most popular arrangements co-written by Pete Christlieb and played by the Buddy Rich Big Band was "Hookin" lieutenant" (See Buddy Rich Digital Video Disc "Live At The Montreal Jazz Festival" 1982).
