Greg B - you say the nicest (undeserved) things but . . .
It isn't me on Waterson:Carthy recordings it's usually one of those two young whippersnappers, Saul Rose or Tim van Eyken - both virtuosi on the melodeon (and occasionally my old mate Chris Parkinson pops up).
Yes I did record with Eliza on "Heat, Light & Sound" (although most people think that was Saul!) and I've done song accompaniment on other CDs.
I'm pretty sure I couldn't sing and play at the same time (can't really sing anyway) but have managed shortish undemanding songs with sparse accompaniment with varying degrees of success when drink has been taken.
It's all about control (with some thoughtful arrangement) you have to be able to make the blessed thing do what you want and not the other way around.
Many people talk about the melodeon's limitations and I do understand this stance, however, within these limitations there are so many permutations that it makes the limitations irrelevant - if that isn't a contradiction in terms.
Cheers
Martin