I just want to underscore couple of Martin's comments--

First about avoiding the temptation to get complicated--the person who can keep it simple and and good is always more appreciated--both by listeners and by other players--

Second is the point about keeping a strong rhythm--that is the most important thing! Over the years that I taught, I worked with a lot of people who had been playing for a long time, but felt like they weren't getting anywhere--the problem usually was that they weren't keeping a solid beat--and often didn't even realize it!