Midi externals and SBLive?

Ok, I have been reading about driver and alsa development with the SBLive.  
According to what I can find the midi and other parts of the device and it's 
abilities are or may still be lacking/undeveloped.  

The problem I'm having is that I can get the sound fonts on my external synth 
to be seen/read while using any number of programs (e.g. audicity, Jazz, 
etc..).  I can't get the connection to recognize any key input from the 
externel regardless of what config I use (jackd, jackconnect, aconnect, ad 
naseum, etc....).

However, I have found sites like 4fornt, OSS, Alsa that say one of the cards I 
have SB128 has better support for external midi.  Anyone have any hints, 
places to get info about this. I would really be interested in getting the 
keyboard to trigger sounds in real time and the record them and edit/map 
then.  I want to use the external keyboard since I can compose better.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Curtis.