Matt, I have been trying to create better-sounding steel drums. "Jamaican Nights" is the result of a lot of failures. Yes, I do think a muted trumpet would fit nicely, especially in the bridge. I hear brass used in many Caribbean tunes.

I'm using the vertical mouse and I notice a couple of mildly negative aspects. I'll give it a few days and see if I get more comfortable with it. If I can't use it I don't know what else to do.