Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.

Someone To Watch Over MeGeorge Gershwin

Gershwin: Someone to Watch Over Me — Someone Is Watching Me

A famous jazz standard used in commercials for Secom and elsewhere.

Many of Gershwin’s works have been used in musicals and as songs within plays, and this piece is one of the most popular among them.

Please enjoy the 1926 piano recording.

There are arrangements for various instruments, with the orchestral versions being quite powerful, and the uptempo renditions are wonderful as well.

When You Wish Upon a StarKeith Jarrett Trio

Keith Jarrett Trio – When You Wish Upon a Star [Keith Jarrett Transcription]

A Wish Upon a Star has been used extensively, including at Tokyo Disneyland, in major financial industry campaigns, and as insert songs on TV programs.

This time, please enjoy it performed by the modern master trio, the Keith Jarrett Trio.

It’s a piece that’s also well known in music box arrangements.

Since it’s actually used in attractions within Disneyland, it’s a wonderful selection whose dreamy melody can bring back the day’s memories for anyone who hears it.

Strangers in the NightMel Torme

Strangers In the Night

It was used as the commercial song for ANA’s Domestic Premium Class and Toyota’s Crown, among others.

The song is the theme from the 1965 film “The Liquidator,” and it became a hit the following year when Frank Sinatra sang it.

It also won a Grammy Award for this song, but it is said that Sinatra himself didn’t care for it very much.

On the Sunny Side of the StreetLouis Armstrong

On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Remastered)

Nestlé has long aired many commercials across Japan and frequently features classic jazz and new music, often performed by top-tier players.

Here are the songs used in the “Home Café” commercials.

The most familiar versions are by artists like Louis Armstrong and Willie Nelson, while relatively newer rock/pop-leaning artists such as Rod Stewart and The Manhattan Transfer are also popular.

With a mellow, mid-tempo feel and a pleasantly buoyant groove, these tracks truly elevate the mood for relaxing at home—numbers that make you want to pair your coffee time with some JAZZ.

Begin The BeguineMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – Begin The Beguine

In recent years it’s been used in Mitsubishi Motors’ “Galant Fortis,” and in the past it has appeared in many major commercials—a classic of jazz.

Composed in 1933 as a song for the musical Jubilee, its composer is Cole Porter.

Along with its success on stage, it quickly became a jazz standard.

In Japan, beyond jazz singers, it has been passed down and sung by a wide range of artists, including rockabilly and folk singers—truly a timeless song.

Although many people remember it in katakana and may not know this, the “Begin” in the title refers to a folk dance from Martinique in the West Indies.

SmileTony Bennett

Tony Bennett – Smile

It has been used in commercials such as Suntory “BOSS Silky Black,” Kirin Free, and SoftBank’s “iPhone 5.” The song originally appeared in Charlie Chaplin’s film Modern Times and had no lyrics at the time.

In the 1950s, English lyrics were added, and artists like Nat King Cole sang it, leading to a renewed appreciation of the song.

Tennessee WaltzConnie Francis

Tennessee Waltz ( 1959 ) – CONNIE FRANCIS – Lyrics

These days, “Tennessee Waltz” has been featured in various products from major brands—most recently in a Nikko Asset Management commercial performed by Chie Ayado.

There are numerous classic jazz recordings of the song, from male jazz vocalists to brass-driven arrangements and piano interpretations.

This time, please enjoy a very old recording by Connie Francis.