Thanks Jay, tell mojo to stop by the forums now and then, I've been worried about that guy.
In regards to the tape hiss sound, your most likely hearing the snare drum brushes that are often used in Jazz music. The first time I heard that with my 80's watching her concert in Paris DVD, I thought there was a recording flaw. Then I noticed the drumer was rolling the brush strokes which caused the sound and was on purpose.