Bill,
If the piano plays a different bass line than the bass drummer, it sounds terrible. He can play single notes, but they must be the same as the bass. If the bass is on the root and the piano bass is on the third or something else it ruins both.
I have a friend that has played piano in bands for years, including a stint with Ray Price. He is a superb technician, in addition to having a great ear, and most of what I know about piano playing with a band I learned from him. I mentioned him to you yesterday.
Also, ask HankB about the Rockabilly band he's playing with. It's based around a Jerry Lee Lewis type performer, and Hank plays bass.
DonM