Tips for playing Lomax/Americana?

[Ukiah Bass]

I'm starting a new project that focuses almost exclusively on music from the John & Alan Lomax / Library of Congress collection. Lots of folk, early country, some bluegrass. The lead instrument is mostly banjo with some guitar. There may be a drummer joining us soon.

I played through the first 25 demos and most of the songs have a two feel, some slow, some are fast. Playing simple root, or root/five patterns feels appropriate, but it does lend a "sameness" to the music. Any advice on variations, or should I not worry about that and just focus on keeping a simple pulse? I'm playing an amplified fretless acoustic bass guitar. BTW, I have the "Lost Art of Country Bass" but most of that consists of walking lines, which seem too complicated for this music. On the other hand, I was thinking about playing occasional counter melodies to spice it up and compliment the banjo/vox. Thanks for advice!