Well there's no doubt that New Orleans-type rhythms, although somewhat involved, are a tremendous joy to play. I combine New Orleans second line and some Bo Diddley-type feels, which are very rhythmic and fun to play. The trick here is feel. Once you get the sticking pattern of what you want to play, you need to really let it sit and relax.

I start with a march beat for the intro (ex. 1) and then go into the New Orleans beat (ex. 2), which I vary at times by going to the bell of the ride cymbal to give it a new sound. Moving the hands around the kit while keeping the same stickings can yield interest and hopefully, pleasing results. For example, you can move your hi-hat hand to the bell of the ride, cowbell, or any other type of percussion. Try moving your snare hand back and forth between the snare, hi-hat and even toms, to create a more tribal feel.

Form:

INTRO 4 bars (march beat)
VERSE 16 bars
CHORUS 8 bars (ride)
VERSE 8 bars
CHORUS 8 bars
VERSE 8 bars
CHORUS 8 bars
BRIDGE 8 bars (toms)
CHORUS 8 bars
OUTRO 8 bars (march beat)

Suggested Listening:

Anything by Little Feat, Bo Diddley or The Meters
"She" by Harry Connick Jr.