The thread about the uncropped Neil Young photo from "After The Gold Rush" got me thinking it would be interesting to see some more... Here's one from the Bird & Diz 50's Verve album cover. The uncropped version reveals in the background... none other than John Coltrane. On the left, Tommy Potter.
Hank Mobley. I finally understand what that circular object on the cover is. I always thought that it's part of an instrument. Also, notice how Reid Miles darkened the part to the left of Mobley's head, so on the cover the background is all black.
Seeing the Rollins cover side by side with the uncropped image really makes you appreciate just how good Reid Miles was. The cover layout transforms a fairly so-so portrait into an iconic image.
I like the way Miles notices the straight line formed by Rollins' head and the saxophone and then concentrates only on that, by leaving the rest black. But I think what you said applies even more on the portrait of Hank Mobley.
I have an uncropped poster that has the Elvis Presely mannequin on stage right with a towel over its head, and the Leo Gorcey and Gandhi standups.