ALBUM REVIEW : Rich Melodies Blend With the Unexpected : ** 1/2 , PORCUPINE, “Look, but Don’t Touch”, K<i> azu Records/Unity</i>

This second effort from keyboardist-composer Bill Cunliffe and drummer Bernie Dresel is just what the group’s co-leaders claim it to be: a commercially accessible effort with enough musical interest to catch the jazz purist’s ear. Cunliffe’s writing--Dresel collaborated on four of the 10 cuts--is much like his playing: melodically rich and full of unexpected twists and turns.

The pianist’s “Moonwatchers” is representative, with its buoyant, major-key theme giving way to samba-paced solo spots from Cunliffe (who does most of his improvising here on acoustic keyboard) and guitarist Thom Rotella, who also works the acoustic version of his instrument.

Better yet is the moody introduction to “Armed Response” or the shifting textures of the Cunliffe-Dresel tune “If Not Now . . . When?,” with its Miles Davis-colored trumpet tones from Clay Jenkins.

Dresel keeps the rhythms moving without relying too heavily on backbeat. His mix of cymbal accents and tom-tom colors brings depth to the proceedings, even when the tunes aren’t that deep.

Also of note are performances from saxophonist Bob Sheppard on the title cut (a witty number awash in synthesizer color), and Jimmy Johnson’s finely honed bass work on “Los Angeles.”

Other guest spots are less ably filled. Saxophonist Gerald Albright says little of interest, though he plays on three of the disc’s better selections.

Despite its sophisticated take on contemporary music, this recording could have benefited from a further move away from the predictable, and the addition of more improvisational space. Still, Porcupine’s latest collection is a significant step up from what passes as contemporary jazz.