Track Lighting to Recommend?

I used 3 separate tracks w/ 4 lights each.  I haven't heard great things about the flexible track lighting when I was looking at them for the kitchen. I got mine at Lowes. They weren't that much $$ either per track & it came w/ the fixtures.    You can kind of see them in this shot - 

Stay away from the flexible track lighting.  I had it in a third bedroom that we were using as an office for a time.  Just wasn't that happy with the lack of flexibility of the fixtures themselves.  They are a bit too stiff for the track, so you have to hold the track while adjusting a fixture.  Also, if you can use LED type fixtures, go for it.  

You mentioned leaving the ceiling joists exposed.  That's a good idea as it does exactly what you want it to do.  The simplest way to go would be to use clamp on contractor type fixtures.  They come with a cord so can be plugged into a socket on the ceiling.  They are inexpensive and can be moved any time you desire.