@orpheus10 :
You pick tunes from one of the most highly regarded Jazz recordings ever(abstract truth), and then one of Morgan's best performances from one of his Best recordings(The Cooker), so there is not much to say except it be good.
The Messenger clip was used as a theme for a French movie. I think I saw that movie while working in Atlanta. I used to frequent the 'Preach Tree Art Theater'. Mainly to get a better look at folks like Bridget Bardot. Otherwise, hated French movies, and anything associated with them. But this is Blakey. I did see 'Alfie' there. Great movie and theme song.
The Mingus cut, is from a CD by 'Mingus big Band', not Mingus himself. That influences what I think of it. Again good Jazz. Certainly not noise. But not 'genius at work'.
The Frogman will have to tell us why we really like this music.
I thought Moanin' and Tunisia were better than the originals. Which makes sense. Covers should be better, otherwise, why do them.
Cheers