While the connection with one of her collaborators on her next album is rooted in her past, some fans may think Michelle Branch is going out on a limb in using the other.

Former touring partner Sheryl Crow and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro have recorded songs with Branch that are expected to surface on her follow-up to last year's The Spirit Room, according to a Maverick Records spokesperson. The as-yet-untitled effort is slated for release in April.

Crow, who tracked one tune with the 19-year-old singer/guitarist, tapped Branch to open a string of dates on her summer tour, which explains her participation. Navarro, meanwhile, is chalking up his contribution credit to simply being in the right place at the right time.

Branch has been working on her second album in the same Los Angeles studio where Jane's Addiction are working on their comeback album (see [article id="1459195"]"Jane's Addiction Plan Summer Release For Hypersonic"[/article]). Carmen Electra's main squeeze has recorded a handful of tunes, Branch's spokesperson said, though a final determination on which songs will appear on the new album has yet to be made.

She began working on the album in October, having written six songs, including "Standing on the Edge" (see [article id="1458365"]"Michelle Branch Going Organic, With Help From Scott Weiland, For Next LP"[/article]). After returning from a European promotional tour with Carlos Santana in early December recording resumed, and Branch now has a total of 12 songs in the can.

Others who may appear on the album include new Jane's bassist Chris Chaney and composer David Campbell, Beck's father, who came up with some string arrangements.

Since its release in July 2001, The Spirit Room has sold more than 1.5 million copies, according to SoundScan, and yielded the singles "Everywhere," "All You Wanted" and "Goodbye to You."