MONTREUX, Switzerland - Songwriter Leonard Cohen returned to the Montreux Jazz Festival on Tuesday for his first concert at the two-week music extravaganza in 23 years.

Cohen, 73, played favourite old songs "Suzanne" and the much-covered "Hallelujah," as well as newer, lesser-known tracks like "The Future", the title track of his 1992 album of the same name.

The L.A.-based Canadian performer is on his first major tour since 1994. Earlier this year he was inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Madonna and John Mellencamp.

Cohen is among the highlights of the festival, which is held every year on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Fellow Canuck singer k.d. lang, along with Joan Baez and last year's Montreux discovery Sophie Hunger, played an all-female night on Sunday, while Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Angelique Kidjo will perform at a 75th birthday celebration for music impresario Quincy Jones on July 14.

Four-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu opened the event on Friday.

Alicia Keys, Pete Doherty's band Babyshambles, Lenny Kravitz and Paul Simon will also be playing at Montreux.

Organizers expect 220,000 people to visit the festival, which ends July 19.

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On the Net:

Montreux Jazz Festival: http://www.montreuxjazz.com