The group Montreux was considered the "all-star-band" of the Windham Hill label, comprised of four of its most illustrious artists: Darol Anger (violin), Mike Marshall (mandolin/guitar), Barbara Higbie (piano), and Michael Manring (bass). Sign Language marks the group's first studio recording, having been preceded by a well- received live recording, and was built upon the deep bond that Higbie and Anger had already developed in a series of earlier releases such as Tideline and Live at Montreux. The group was made up of close friends who had spent time together on individual projects, experimenting and jamming. Joining the core four on Sign Language are guest musicians Will Kennedy (drums), Andy Narell (steel pans), Benjy Wertheimer (tabla) and Frank Holder (percussion). The track "To Be" was nominated for a Grammy.