Here's some progress on the rear of the recess.  Only the first 4 inches or so need full-width strips.  The remainder of the recess needs 2-3 inch long strips along the edge. 

Tape really came in handy here keep things in place.   It also helped to use cove & bead strips.  About every 5 inches I put in a full-width strip to keep the short strips from sagging.