In my opinion, you should try to groove to the bass line moreover anything else you are doing. Playing over the bar line only makes sense if it is in context to what you are playing to. As Dereck points out, the kick MUST match what the bass line is doing, and in this case, the bass line is a pretty basic repetition, so find it and lay into it! Lastly, don't be afraid to go to your ride. This will open up the groove.
When you get the chance, just try to lay the most basic 4/4 groove over that same bass line and play it the whole way through without filling. Do this a few time and you will begin to formulate a theme instead of just placing random ideas over what is a predictable groove. Less is more, so if you are going to modulate or fill use it wisely and tactfully...
